Seoul Shares End Three-Day Winning Streak Amid Mixed Market Performance.

Seoul: South Korean stocks experienced a slight decline on Thursday, concluding a three-day upward movement as major shares displayed mixed results. The local currency, the won, also saw a decrease against the U.S. dollar for the first time in six sessions. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dropped by 1.66 points, or 0.07 percent, closing at 2,480.63. This decline marked the end of a rise that began on Monday.According to Yonhap News Agency, trade volume remained moderate, with 440.4 million shares changing hands, valued at 8.1 trillion won (approximately US$5.8 billion). The day saw more decliners than gainers, with 477 shares falling compared to 392 advancing. Foreign investors continued their net-selling trend for the 10th consecutive session, offloading a net 259.5 billion won. Meanwhile, individual investors also sold a net 127.3 billion won. Institutional investors, on the other hand, stepped in to buy a net 298.8 billion won.Globally, Nvidia's announcement of a 94 percent incr ease in sales and a 101 percent rise in profits for the third quarter exceeded market expectations. However, its shares fell post-announcement as some investors found the results falling short of their lofty expectations. In Seoul, semiconductor shares responded variably to Nvidia's results. Samsung Electronics, a tech giant, saw its shares rise by 1.99 percent to 56,400 won. Conversely, SK hynix, a significant partner of Nvidia, experienced a decline of 1.06 percent, closing at 168,800 won.In other sectors, Hyundai Motor, South Korea's leading carmaker, saw its shares drop by 1.37 percent to 215,500 won. Similarly, HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, a top shipbuilder, retreated by 2.79 percent, ending at 198,300 won. In contrast, the chemicals and construction sectors showed gains. LG Chem, a leading chemicals maker, rose by 1.03 percent to 294,500 won, while GS Engineering and Construction jumped 3.65 percent to 18,450 won. Additionally, leading retailer Lotte Shopping gained 3 percent, r eaching 58,300 won, and biotech firm Celltrion climbed 1.34 percent to 173,700 won.The local currency's value against the U.S. dollar was recorded at 1,397.5 won at 3:30 p.m., marking a decrease of 6.6 won from the previous session. This decline represented the first daily drop in the won's value since November 13.