Seoul: Won extends gains, stocks pare losses

[SEOUL] The South Korean won extended its gains on Thursday as investors sold the US dollar and took profits on its recent gains The won was quoted at 1,162.6 to the dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, up 0.4 per cent compared to Wednesday's close of 1,167.6.

South Korean shares ended slightly lower, with buying by foreign and individual investors helping to pare earlier losses.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed down 0.1 per cent at 1,977.49 points.

Foreigners were sellers earlier in the day, but turned into buyers, purchasing a net 14.5 billion won (S$19.5 million) worth of KOSPI shares.

REUTERS