S. Korean shares open higher on large cap gains

SEOUL, Jan. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened higher Wednesday as foreign investors scooped up large market caps.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 7.93 points, or 0.38 percent, to 2,073.69 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Most large caps were in positive terrain.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 1.15 percent and global chipmaker SK hynix increased 1.55 percent.

On the other hand, top automaker Hyundai Motor remained flat while its smaller affiliate Kia Motors shed 0.78 percent and top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis Co. declined 1.84 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,167.40 won against the U.S. dollar, down 1.50 won from the previous session's close.

khj@yna.co.kr
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