Seoul: South Korean stocks narrowed earlier gains late Tuesday morning as investors cashed in profits from the recent market rally. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) had risen 9.16 points, or 0.26 percent, to 3,477.81 as of 11:20 a.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, leading tech giant Samsung Electronics moved up 1.08 percent, and SK hynix added 1.42 percent. Carmakers traded higher as well, with Hyundai Motor rising 0.46 percent and Kia increasing 0.1 percent. However, auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis shed 0.48 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,394.7 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., down 2.1 won from the previous session.