Seoul shares posted their best finish in five-and-a-half years on Thursday, as a weaker won currency and positive US data lifted key exporters such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor. Investment sentiment also got a boost after the central bank held interest rates steady at a record low to support a recovery in domestic consumption, helping deflect concerns about the impact of record-high crude oil prices.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended up 0.77 percent at 1,026.82, its highest finish since closing at 1,059.04 points on January 4, 2000.
Shares in Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's top memory chip maker, rose 2.4 percent to a three-month closing high of 516,000 won. Electronic parts maker Samsung Electro-Mechanics gained 3.4 percent to 25,750 won.
Hyundai Motor Co, which generates more than 60 percent of its revenue overseas, rose 2.4 percent to a record high close of 63,700 won and LG Electronics Inc, the world's top maker of air conditioners, gained 1.04 percent to 67,900 won.
The tech-heavy Kosdaq market rose for a eighth consecutive session, gaining 0.67 percent to end at 519.85, its highest close in two years.
Trade volume reached 675 million shares worth 3 trillion won ($2.85 billion) compared to 673 million shares worth 3.2 trillion won on Wednesday. Gainers outnumbered decliners 397 to 319, with 19 names closing unchanged.
Foreign investors bought a net of 76.4 billion won in shares on the main bourse, data at 0650 GMT showed. Retail investors sold a net of 151 billion won and institutional investors bought a net 53.9 billion won.
The September KOSPI 200 futures index edged up 0.55 point to 131.65 and the underlying KOSPI 200 spot index edged up 0.82 point to 131.72.
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