Trading activity in KOSPI-listed shares has weakened for six consecutive months, with the average daily turnover rate falling to 0.50% from the 1st to the 23rd of this month, the lowest level this year, the Korea Exchange said on the 28th. The turnover rate, which measures trading activity by dividing volume by listed shares, peaked at 1.74% in March before declining to 1.48% in April, 1.13% in May, 0.81% in June, 0.72% in July and 0.54% in August. Analysts attributed the slowdown to the fading of short-term trading after volatile moves in June and July, as well as investor caution over interest rates and oil prices. Retail and foreign investors recorded net sales of 16.69 trillion won ($11.9 billion) and 16.42 trillion won ($11.7 billion), respectively, on the main bourse this month. Share buybacks by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which had supported the market, were 85.95% and 66.27% complete as of the 28th, reducing that source of support. Brokerage investor deposits stood at 101.63 trillion won as of the 23rd. The KOSPI closed at 6,889.74 on the 28th, down 191.18 points, or 2.70%, after long-term U.S. Treasury yields rose. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix fell 5.05% and 5.43%, respectively. Investors are watching the U.S. August personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index and Micron's earnings, both due on the 30th, while analysts say a sustained return of funds depends on easing macroeconomic pressure and earnings guidance meeting expectations.