South Korean stocks fell 0.49 percent Friday as investor sentiment was dampened by persistent European Union’s fiscal uncertainties, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gave up 8.96 points, to 1,834.51. Trading volume was light at 322 million shares worth 3.48 trillion won ($2.95 billion), with losers outpacing gainers 478 to 351.

The local currency finished at 1,177.7 won to the U.S. greenback, up 2.6 won from Thursday’s close, dealers said.

“Uncertainties on how the current eurozone crisis will be resolved weighed down the local bourse,” said Song Chang-sung, an analyst at Hanyang Securities. He added that stocks are losing ground due to the lack of clear-cut upward momentum. 

(Yonhap News)