SEOUL: South Korean stocks opened slightly higher on Monday with large-cap issues trading mixed, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) edged up 1.86 points, or 0.1 percent, to 1,943.23 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Cosmetics makers including market leader AmorePacific helped the index start higher by gaining over 1 percent. Power monopoly KEPCO also got off to a strong start, rising nearly 2 percent.
Brokerages and telecom companies started in negative terrain, while carmakers including Hyundai Motor opened bearish.
The local currency was trading at 1,179.35 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 5.15 won from Friday’s close.