[THE INVESTOR] Korean shares opened slightly higher Thursday following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to freeze the key interest rate. 

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 0.41 point, or 0.02 percent, to 1,969.24 during the first 15 minutes of trading. 

The U.S Federal Reserve decided to maintain interest rates at its former level on Wednesday considering Britain’s possible exit from the European Union, said Fed Chair Janet Yellen. 

Samsung Electronics dropped 0.78 percent, and state-run utility firm Korea Electric Power Corp. jumped 0.69 percent. 

Shares in the chemical industry experienced positive outlook, finally putting an end to a four-day slide. 

SK Group’s refiner SK Innovation rose 1.37 percent, and battery-maker LG Chem climbed 0.57 percent. 

The local currency was trading at 1,168.3 won against the dollar, a 5 won increase from the previous session’s close.

(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)