S. Korean stocks trade higher late Thursday morning

SEOUL, July 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded higher Thursday morning on the back of strong gains from tech firms and carmakers.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 26.12 points, or 1.09 percent, to 2,417.89 as of 11:20 a.m.

Market behemoth Samsung Electronics moved up 1.8 percent, and its smaller local rival LG Electronics moved up 1.55 percent. No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix advanced 2.9 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor increased 1.01 percent, and its sister Kia Motors edged up 0.54 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis shot up 1.23 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,138.15 won against the U.S. dollar, up 6.95 won from the previous session's close.

colin@yna.co.kr
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