Seoul: Won, shares slump on dollar strength; end week lower

[SEOUL] The South Korean won and shares finished weaker on Friday as broad dollar strength dragged them lower.

The won was quoted at 1,161.8 to the dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, down 0.6 per cent versus Thursday's close of 1,154.6.

The won lost 1.4 per cent, its biggest weekly percentage loss in six weeks.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed down 0.6 per cent at 1,963.10 points.

Foreign investors turned to net buyers near end-session, purchasing 41.3 billion won (S$48 million) worth of KOSPI shares.

Shares declined 1.2 per cent this week.

REUTERS