South Korean stocks started lower Friday despite overnight US gains as investors await the Bank of Korea's rate decision later in the day. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 16.61 points, or 0.61 percent, to 2,690.35 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Overnight, the Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.7 percent and the S&P 500 rose 0.7 percent on a tech rally, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was almost flat. Apple soared 4.3 percent, Nvidia surged 4.1 percent, and Amazon c

South Korean stocks ended almost flat Thursday thanks to gains in techs and autos despite higher-than-expected US inflation that dimmed hopes for the Federal Reserve's early rate cuts. The Korean won sharply fell to the lowest point in 17 months against the US dollar. After starting 1.45 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index pared earlier losses by rising 1.8 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,706.96. Trade volume was moderate at 522.4 million shares worth 12.5

South Korean stocks started sharply lower Thursday as higher-than-expected US inflation data poured cold water on investors' hopes for early rate cuts. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index plunged 39.34 points, or 1.45 percent, to 2,665.82 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Overnight, major US indexes lost ground as the release of a key measure of inflation dashed investors' hopes that the Federal Reserve may start cutting its rates soon. The US' consumer price index f

South Korean stocks ended lower Tuesday as investors grew more cautious ahead of parliamentary elections and the release of key US inflation data later this week. The Korean won fell against the US dollar. After starting higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 12.49 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 2,705.16. Trade volume was moderate at 458.4 million shares worth 9.48 trillion won ($6.99 billion), with decliners outpacing gainers 489 to 370. Institutions bought stocks wo

South Korean stocks started higher Tuesday ahead of parliamentary elections and the release of key US inflation data later this week. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 18.76 points, or 0.69 percent, to 2,736.41 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Overnight, major US indexes were almost flat as investors awaited the March consumer price index report, a key measure of inflation, to be released later this week. Investors' eyes are also on the results of South Korea's

South Korean stocks ended slightly higher Monday on the back of autos and batteries following stronger-than-expected US jobs data. The Korean won fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 3.44 points, or 0.13 percent, to 2,717.65. Trade volume was moderate at 611.2 million shares worth 10.36 trillion won ($7.6 billion), with decliners outpacing gainers 590 to 277. Foreigners bought 207.6 billion won worth of local shares, while retail investors and instit

South Korean stocks opened lower Monday despite Wall Street gains backed by stronger-than-expected US jobs data. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 6.29 points, or 0.23 percent, to 2,707.92 in the first 15 minutes of trading. On Friday, data showed that the US posted the biggest job growth in almost a year in March, indicating a strong economy. Even though the strong labor market may mean interest rates may stay elevated for longer, Wall Street closed higher on the belief th

Seoul shares opened lower Tuesday on speculation that stronger than expected data may prod the Federal Reserve to push back its rate-cut timetable. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 10.12 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,737.74 in the first 15 minutes of trading. The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing purchasing managers' index released overnight stayed at 50.3 last month, the highest since September 2022 despite a prolonged tightening mode by the Fed. The F

Seoul shares closed higher Monday as US inflation data was in line with market expectations raising hopes that the Federal Reserve may start cutting rates in June at the earliest. The Korean won fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 1.23 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 2,747.86. Trade volume was slim at 391.77 million shares worth 9.9 trillion won ($7.3 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 573 to 295. Institutions and foreigners bought a combine

Seoul shares opened higher Monday as the US Federal Reserve is expected to await more evidence that inflation is under control before cutting rates this year. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 8.11 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,754.74 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Fresh inflation data released Friday was in line with the US central bank's expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said it would not be appropriate to cut rates until officials are sure inflation is on track

South Korean stocks finished nearly unchanged Friday as investors took a wait-and-see stance ahead of a key US inflation report that would set the tone for the Federal Reserve's rate-setting decision. The local currency fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 0.81 point, or 0.03 percent, to close at 2,746.63. Trade volume was moderate at 485.5 million shares worth 11 trillion won ($8.17 billion), with losers beating winners 603 to 270. Foreign inves

Korean battery material and chemical company Posco Future M has been recognized by Fortune Asia as one of the top 30 most innovative companies in Asia, set to drive future growth, the company said on Thursday. The 2024 Fortune Asia Future 30 award was presented at the Fortune Innovation Forum in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Posco Future M's progress from traditional industrial materials to leading-edge sectors like cathode material production has been marked by significant achievements, includin

South Korean stocks finished nearly flat Wednesday ahead of the releases of key US inflation data as investors cashed in recent gains. The local currency fell sharply against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 1.98 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,755.11. Trade volume was moderate at 482.5 million shares worth 11.3 trillion won ($8.38 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 499 to 367. Individuals and institutions led the slight decline, dumping a net

South Korean stocks declined for the second straight session Monday as investors sought to cash in recent gains. The local currency fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 10.99 points, or 0.4 percent, to close at 2,737.57. Trade volume was moderate at 479.9 million shares worth 9.78 trillion won ($7.23 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 527 to 336. Foreigners and institutions led the drop, dumping a combined 331.6 billion won worth of local share

Lee Kye-in, formerly president of Posco International, took office as CEO of the company, having been appointed to his new position during a board meeting at the company’s headquarters in Incheon on Monday. In his inaugural speech, Lee said, "As CEO of Posco Group's second-largest company, as well as a leading trading company, I will fulfill my responsibilities" to align with the company's new vision, "materials opening the future, innovation for the top class,&quo