South Korean stocks are expected to continue their upward trend this week, albeit modestly, in general on a mix of low interest rates and stable data, analysts here said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index finished last week at 2,017.26, up 2.76 percent from a week earlier. It marked the index’s gains for five sessions in a row led by foreigners’ buying binge.


They purchased a net 1.9 trillion won ($1.67 billion) of local shares, while individuals and institutional traders offloaded a net 1.2 trillion won worth of stocks.

“The South Korean stock market is forecast to maintain a modest upward trend this week,” Mirae Asset Daewoo Co. said in a report.

It predicted the KOSPI will stay in a range of between 1,980 and 2,040.

It pointed out that the U.S. equities hit an all-time high and there are positive signs of second-quarter earnings by major companies.

Market watchers will monitor the results of European Central Bank’s monthly meeting, slated for Thursday, which may offer a hint of its monetary policy direction.

Foreigners are expected to continue to scoop up South Korean shares next week even if some will seek profit-taking, it added. (Yonhap)