Seoul: Seoul stocks experienced a pause on Friday following a six-day surge, as investors opted to cash out their gains amid uncertainties related to Iran and the recent artificial intelligence (AI) boom. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dropped 11.42 points, or 0.13 percent, closing at 9,052.42, despite earlier reaching a high of 9,385.59 during the session.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the trading volume was notably significant, with 511.1 million shares exchanged, valued at 65.3 trillion won (approximately US$42.7 billion). The market saw a higher number of losers, 784, compared to 115 gainers. Retail investors emerged as net buyers, acquiring 1.7 trillion won, while institutional and foreign investors collectively sold off 1.6 trillion won.

The stock index initially surged, driven by a rally in chip stocks, but later dipped into negative territory following the announcement that follow-up talks to conclude the U.S.-Iran conflict were postponed. The White House revealed that Vice President J.D. Vance delayed his planned visit to Switzerland for direct negotiations with Iran, contributing to the market's volatility.

Lee Kyoung-min, an analyst at Daishin Securities, noted that investors are hopeful a chip bottleneck could boost demand and prices, potentially supporting future stock price increases. Despite this optimism, some major stocks saw declines. Samsung Electronics dropped by 2.34 percent to 354,000 won, while competitor SK hynix rose 2.94 percent to 2,764,000 won.

Among other industry leaders, Hyundai Motor climbed 2 percent to 613,000 won, and LG Energy Solution increased by 1.12 percent to 404,500 won. However, Hanwha Aerospace saw a dip of 5.63 percent to 1,122,000 won. Bio firms were also affected by profit-taking, with Samsung Biologics falling 3.92 percent to 1,374,000 won and Celltrion declining 1.9 percent to 170,300 won.

The Korean won was valued at 1,527 won against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.1 won from the previous session. Bond prices ended on a lower note, with the yield on three-year Treasurys increasing by 3.4 basis points to 3.784 percent, and the yield on five-year government bonds rising by 5.6 basis points to 4.005 percent.