Seoul shares posted an all-time high on Friday, powered by chip makers such as Samsung Electronics, amid hopes US tech bellwether Intel Corp will soon raise its earnings forecasts.
Hyundai Motor, LG Electronics and other exporters also gained as tame US inflation eased worries about more interest rate rises in the United States, which accounts for around one-fifth of South Korea's total shipments.
But Hite Brewery Co fell 2.7 percent to 144,000 won, after earlier falling as much as 5 percent, on indications that Carlsberg was selling up to 2.3 million shares in South Korea's largest brewer.
The Danish brewer confirmed after the market's close on Friday it was selling part of its stake in Hite.
Separately, Lehman Brothers priced 2.3 million shares in Hite at 142,000 won each for Carlsberg, raising 323.2 billion won, a source close to the deal said. The settlement date is December 6. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.32 percent to end at 1,310.12 after earlier hitting an all-time high of 1,319.28.
Shares gained 1.3 percent for the week, marking a fifth consecutive weekly gain. The main index has hit record highs in 12 of the past 16 sessions. Foreign investors were heavy buyers of South Korean shares, having bought a net 373.9 billion won worth during the day.
US chip makers rallied on Thursday as Intel Corp gained on expectations the world biggest computer chip maker will raise its revenue and profit forecasts when it gives a mid-quarter update next week. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange's semiconductor index jumped 4.21 percent to a 19-month high. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's top maker of memory chips, rose 1.82 percent to 617,000 won, while local rival Hynix Semiconductor Inc added 4.42 percent to 23,600 won.
Data on Thursday showed Hyundai posted record exports in November as well as its best domestic figures for 31 months.
Meanwhile, home appliance maker LG Electronics Inc rose 3.94 percent to 84,400 won while flat screen maker LG.Philips LCD Co Ltd gained 0.43 percent to 46,800 won. Revised data early on Friday showed South Korea's economy grew a provisional 1.9 percent in the third quarter from the second after seasonal adjustment, slightly higher than an earlier estimate made in October.
South Korea's junior and tech heavy Kosdaq market gained 0.89 percent to finish at 733.87, its highest close since ending at 740.7 on May 28, 2002. The index has risen for 24 out of the past 25 sessions.
Trade volume was 562 million shares worth 5.1 trillion won, compared to 465.4 million shares worth 4.7 trillion won on Thursday. Decliners edged out gainers by 434 to 320 with 68 titles ending flat.
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