kospi history

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or KOSPI was launched in 1983 with the base value of 100 as of January 4, 1980. KOSPI is the major stock market index of South Korea. The index represents all common stocks traded on the Korea Exchange. The index calculation is based on market capitalization method. KOSPI replaced Dow-style KCSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) in 1983.

KOSPI moved below 1,000 mark for several years. The index breached 1,000 for the first time in April 1989. KOSPI recorded its largest one-day percentage gain of 8.50% on June 17, 1998 & largest one-day percentage drop of 12.02% on September 12, 2001. The index's Korean name was officially changed to Koseupi jisu in November 2005. KOSPI reached another milestone of breaking 2000 level for the first time on July 24, 2007.

KOSPI Stock Market History

By Michael J. Beyman, eHow Contributing Writer

The KOSPI, or the Korea Composite Price Index, tracks the performance of Korean Stocks traded on the Korean Exchange. It is similar in its to the United State's S&P 500 and Dow Jones Index.

What Is KOSPI

1. KOSPI is the Korea Composite Stock Price Index. It is an index of all stocks traded on the Korea Exchange.

History

2. KOSPI was introduced in 1983. The index was originally set at 100.

Calculation Methodology

3. The KOSPI is calculated based on its component's market capitalization.

Components

4. The KOSPI has over 700 components. The top 10 companies, by market capitalization are Samsung Electronics, POSCO, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Kookmin Bank, Korea Electric Power, Shinhan Financial Group, SK Telecom, Woori Finance Holdings, LG.Philips LCD and Hyundai Motor.

Milestones and Performance

5. The KOSPI first traded above 1,000 in April 1989. In July, 2007, it closed above 2,000 for the first time. As of May, 2009, its 52-week range has been between 892 and 1,861.