Seoul: South Korean stocks traded slightly higher late Monday morning as investors remain cautious ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index had added 2.07 points, or 0.08 percent, to 2,525.62 as of 11:20 a.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, major shares traded mixed. Chip giant Samsung Electronics fell 0.19 percent, and its rival SK hynix declined 0.83 percent. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor dropped 1.18 percent, and its sister company Kia also lost 0.39 percent. Battery makers, however, were in positive territory, as industry leader LG Energy Solution rose 2.14 percent and Samsung SDI gained 1.92 percent. Food giant CJ Cheiljedang added 0.21 percent, and retail giant Shinsegae climbed 1.28 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,453.75 won against the greenback at 11:20 a.m., up 3.85 won from the previous session.