Seoul: Stocks end lower as virus spikes across Asia spur caution

[SEOUL] South Korean shares closed lower on Monday as investor sentiment was dented by spikes in Covid-19 cases across Taiwan, Singapore and other parts in the region.

The benchmark Kospi ended 18.80 points, or 0.60 per cent, lower at 3,134.52.

Among the heavyweights, technology giant Samsung Electronics fell 0.62 per cent and peer SK Hynix slid 0.84 per cent.

Foreigners were net sellers of US$528.66 million worth of shares on the main board.

The Kospi has risen 9.08 per cent so far this year, and gained 2.1 per cent in the previous 30 trading sessions.

The trading volume was 758.88 million shares. Of the total traded issues of 908, the number of advancing shares was 277.

REUTERS