Boosted by a surge across global semiconductor stocks a day ahead of the earnings release by U.S. big tech firm Alphabet, the KOSPI jumped in early trading today (the 22nd), prompting the activation of a program buy order temporary suspension, known as a buy sidecar.

According to the Korea Exchange, the effect of program buy orders on the KOSPI 200 futures was suspended for five minutes starting at 9:06:02 AM today in the securities market due to fluctuations in the KOSPI 200 futures index.

At the time of activation, the KOSPI 200 futures index stood at 1,139.30, up 58.46 points (5.40%) from the previous day's close.

A KOSPI sidecar is triggered when the KOSPI 200 futures price rises by 5% or more from the base price and sustains that level for one minute, suspending the validity of program buy orders for five minutes.

As of this moment, the KOSPI is showing a gain in the 5% range, while the KOSDAQ is up in the 4% range.

(Photo: Yonhap News)