Seoul: South Korean stocks kicked off higher Monday as the United States and China wrapped up their first high-level tariff negotiations, boosting hopes the two countries may reach a trade deal. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 14.93 points, or 0.58 percent, to 2,592.20 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Washington and Beijing held a two-day trade dialogue in Geneva to discuss tariff and other trade issues. Both sides have yet to issue an official statement on the results of the talks, but U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said a deal had been reached with China to cut the U.S. trade deficit, touting "substantial progress." The Chinese delegation also said in a news conference that it held a "constructive" dialogue with the U.S. The two countries are expected to release a joint statement on the details of the negotiations later in the day.

Wall Street closed mixed Friday as investors had remained cautious ahead of the Geneva talks. The S and P 500 lost 0.07 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average went down 0.29 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was flat, reflecting market uncertainty.

In Seoul, market heavyweight Samsung Electronics rose 0.46 percent, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix jumped 2.52 percent. Top automaker Hyundai Motor climbed 1.16 percent, and leading shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy advanced 1.94 percent. Major plant constructor Doosan Enerbility jumped 7 percent after sliding last week due to a delay in South Korea's nuclear power plant deal with Czech Republic.

Conversely, Samsung Biologics dropped 2.4 percent, and Celltrion slid 4.05 percent. Defense giant Hanwha Aerospace also lost 2.82 percent, showing varied performances across different sectors.

The local currency was trading at 1,394 won against the U.S. dollar at 9:15 a.m., marking an increase of 6 won from the previous session.