Seoul: South Korean stocks fell late Friday morning, as investors continued to cash in recent gains. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 6.13 points, or 0.2 percent, to 3,073.43 as of 11:20 a.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Wall Street ended higher overnight on hopes that the United States could extend its pause on reciprocal tariffs, which is set to expire next month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.94 percent, the S and P 500 gained 0.8 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite added 0.97 percent.
In Seoul, the overall losses were led by battery and automotive shares, with top battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution down 2.53 percent and leading automaker Hyundai Motor falling 2.39 percent. Internet portal operators and refiners also extended their losses. Top portal firm Naver slid 2.11 percent, while leading refiner SK Innovation tumbled 1.69 percent.
Chip shares traded mixed, with Samsung Electronics up 2.08 percent and rival SK hynix falling 2.39 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,353.75 won against the greenback at 11:20 a.m., down 3.15 won from the previous session.