KOSPI falls 0.61%; SK hynix and NAVER retreat

The KOSPI fell 32.63 points, or 0.61%, to 5,342.73 on Thursday. SK hynix and NAVER declined, while Samsung Electronics advanced.

The KOSDAQ dropped 8.57 points, or 1.22%, to 696.53, returning below 700. The index had closed at 705.10 in the previous session. Index levels and share prices in this article are Nov. 12 KRX regular-session closes.

Chipmakers diverge

Samsung Electronics rose 0.97% to 208,000 won from 206,000 won. Its preferred shares gained 2.00% to 168,300 won.

By contrast, SK hynix fell 1.80% to 1,254,000 won from 1,277,000 won.

Other large caps

Among the other decliners, NAVER fell 6.43% to 181,800 won, compared with 194,300 won in the previous session. LG Energy Solution lost 1.79% to 329,500 won.

Automakers also finished lower: Hyundai Motor dropped 2.20% to 266,500 won and Kia fell 1.06% to 93,600 won. KB Financial Group slipped 0.98% to 151,800 won.

Samsung Biologics rose 1.33% to 1,449,000 won, while Celltrion added 1.21% to 209,500 won.

US inflation context

Separately, US consumer prices excluding food and energy rose 0.3% month on month in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That matched the monthly increases in August and September. The headline consumer-price index increased 0.4% in October after rising 0.6% in September. These figures are seasonally adjusted.

Primary-residence rents increased 0.2% in October, while the broader shelter index rose 0.3%. Recreation services increased 0.9% and motor vehicle insurance rose 0.7%, also on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis. BLS detailed CPI table