Seoul – In a session characterized by cautious trading, Seoul stocks concluded almost unchanged as leading shares showed a mixed performance.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) edged up slightly by 1.1 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 2,495.38. The trading volume was relatively low, with 384.3 million shares traded, amounting to 7.51 trillion won (approximately US$5.71 billion). There were 499 gainers compared to 371 losers. Institutional investors acquired a net total of 240.5 billion won in shares, while individual and foreign investors sold shares worth a net of 93.8 billion won and 146.2 billion won, respectively.
Han Ji-young, an analyst from Kiwoom Securities, suggested that the local stock market might experience stagnant movement as investors adopt a cautious stance during the year-end period to evade substantial share transfer taxes. Market heavyweights showed varied results. Samsung Electronics increased by 0.7 percent to 71,700 won, whereas SK hynix dropped slightly by 0.24 percent to 125,600 won. LG Energy Solution and POSCO Future M experienced declines of 1.28 percent and 1.39 percent, respectively. Celltrion and Samsung Biologics also saw decreases in their stock prices. However, automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia recorded gains, along with mobile carriers SK Telecom and KT. The local currency, the won, weakened against the U.S. dollar, closing at 1,313.10 won, a decline of 1.9 won from the previous session.