SEOUL – South Korean shares started Thursday’s trading session nearly flat, as investors awaited the Bank of Korea’s (BOK) decision on interest rates. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) experienced a slight increase in the early minutes of trading.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the BOK was scheduled to hold its monetary policy meeting later in the day, with widespread expectations of maintaining the key interest rate. Investors also anticipated the U.S. inflation data for December, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s rate policy. Large-cap stocks showed mixed performance, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix seeing declines, while LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor reported gains. The local currency, the won, showed a slight increase against the U.S. dollar in early trading.