South Korean won falls; shares touch near 4-year high

[SEOUL] The South Korean won fell against the dollar on Thursday as the greenback strengthened after positive US economic data lifted expectations that Federal Reserve policymakers may soon raise interest rates.

The won ended local trade down 0.2 per cent at 1,082.2 per dollar from the previous close at 1,079.6.

Seoul shares jumped to a near four-year high as offshore investors continued to pour in funds as major corporate earnings beat expectations.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended up 1.4 per cent at 2,173.41, after rising as high as 2,174.72, its highest intraday level since July 27, 2011. It closed at 2,143.89 on Wednesday.

REUTERS