KOSPI Large-Cap Index Plunges 30.2% in July, Outpacing Broader Market Decline

According to Korea Exchange, South Korea's KOSPI large-cap index fell 30.2% in July (July 1-28), surpassing the broader KOSPI's 28.94% decline. The top 10 market-cap stocks averaged a 24.89% loss for the month, with Samsung Electronics down 34.13% and SK Hynix falling 41.51%.

The steep declines have shattered the traditional market view that large-cap stocks are safer investments. As volatility increases, investors are shifting capital toward traditional safe-haven assets such as bank savings deposits.