SEOUL: South Korean stocks started slightly higher on Friday on the back of gains in carmakers and shipbuilders, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 5.11 points, or 0.25 percent, to 2,090.17 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Carmakers kicked off higher, with Hyundai Motor adding 2.65 percent and its sister Kia Motors increasing 1.31 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis climbed 0.96 percent.
Shipbuilders also opened bullish, with Hyundai Heavy Industries rising 1.69 percent and Samsung Heavy Industries moving up 1.46 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,112.70 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 2.70 won from Thursday’s close.
