South Korean shares remained almost unchanged Thursday after a more than 1-percent rise a day earlier as investors took a breather, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 0.63 point, or 0.03 percent, to 2,010.20. The index reached as high as 2,015.37 at one point but pared its gains on profit-taking. On Wednesday, the index hit an over 5-month high. Trading volume was moderate at 253 million shares worth 3.3 trillion won ($3.22 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 409 to 381.

“Investors seem to be locking part of gains posted in the past few sessions,” said Kim Ji-hyung, an analyst at Hanyang Securities. “Although there could be downward pressure for the time being, the local stock market is likely to continue its upward move.”

Analysts said a surge in a short period could drag the index down, but a further run could be propelled by foreign buying.

Foreign investors bought a net 329 billion won following a net buying of some 550 billion won in the two previous sessions. (Yonhap)