(LEAD) 15 pct of listed firms post record-high share prices this year

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; ADDS info in last para)

SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- Shares for some 15 percent of listed companies hit all-time highs this year, data showed Monday.

Of 2,098 companies listed on the benchmark KOSPI and the secondary KOSDAQ markets, 313 firms, or 14.92 percent, saw their stocks soar to new highs as of last Thursday, according to data by the Korea Exchange (KRX).

In the main bourse, which had fallen 2.27 percent during the cited period, 11.33 percent out of 882 companies reported setting record prices. The shares of the best performers spiked an average of 48.89 percent, the KRX said.

As for the KOSDAQ market that has surged 6.41 percent this year, 17.52 percent out of 1,216 entities set records, with their average increase standing at 43.82 percent, according to the KRX.

Among KOSPI listed shares, the chemical industry had the largest number of record setters with 18 companies, followed by 17 pharmaceuticals and 16 financial stocks. Major such firms include Samsung Biologics, KB Financial Group and LG Household & Health Care, and SK.

On the secondary market, shares of semiconductors and bio shares, like Celltrion Healthcare and Medytox, posted outstanding performances.

As of last Thursday, 56.05 percent and 56.59 percent of shares listed in the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets, respectively, enjoyed gains this year, according to the KRX.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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