Seoul: Stocks surge, closing at a near 6-yr high

[SEOUL] South Korean shares soared to a near six-year closing high on Tuesday, aided by investor expectations that companies' first-quarter earnings will be strong.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed up 1 per cent at 2,178.38 points, the highest close since July 8, 2011.

The South Korean won erased earlier gains, snapping past four-day gaining streak.

The won was quoted at 1,120.3 to the dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, little changed compared to Monday's close of 1,120.1.

REUTERS