Seoul: The KOSPI 200 index experienced a mix of gains and losses as financial and defense stocks posted notable increases amid declines in other sectors. Among the top performers were LIG Defense and Aerospace, which surged by 27,000, closing at 705,000, and KB Financial Group, which increased by 3,700 to end at 181,600.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the financial sector saw several stocks closing higher, with Meritz Financial climbing by 3,600 to 132,000 and Hana Financial Group rising by 3,000 to 140,800. Woori Financial Group also experienced an uptick, increasing by 1,750 to reach 36,850, while JB Financial Group added 500, closing at 32,250.

In the defense sector, Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Engine both saw moderate gains, with Hanwha Ocean up by 300 to 85,900 and Hanwha Engine also up by 300, closing at 50,600. Meanwhile, Hyundai Rotem rose by 300 to end at 124,400.

Conversely, several stocks experienced declines, with KEPCO E and C seeing a significant drop of 13,800, closing at 138,200. SK Innovation also fell by 8,100 to 136,700, and LGCHEM decreased by 5,000 to 268,000. Other notable declines included DWEC, which dropped by 1,130 to 18,760, and GS, which decreased by 2,600 to 116,400.

Technology and consumer goods sectors witnessed mixed results. LG Electronics fell by 1,300 to 198,200, and LG CNS decreased by 1,200 to 70,700. However, LG H and H saw a rise of 8,000, closing at 299,000, and Amorepacific increased by 5,500 to 146,000.

Overall, the KOSPI 200's diverse performance reflected fluctuations across various sectors, with financial and defense stocks leading gains while energy and electronics faced challenges.