Seoul shares ended 0.7 percent higher on Friday, fuelled by continued foreign buying and rises in key technology and auto issues including Samsung Electronics and Kia Motors. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished up 10.94 points at 1,686.11 points.
"Foreign buying is continuing as US shares hit new highs and US economic data shows recovery momentum is ongoing. Appetite for riskier assets is growing again," said Yoo Soo-min, a market analyst at Hyundai Securities. Labour market and consumer price data on Thursday showed the US economy was on a moderate growth path and inflation pressures were contained.
"If the current trend keeps up, the main index could rise to hit its earlier 12-month high around the 1,720 point level, with technology and auto issues in particular fuelling upward momentum. But resistance will probably take place above that level with fund redemptions," Yoo added. Foreign investors were buyers of a net 232.7 billion won ($205.1 million) worth of shares, picking up stocks for a sixth session.
Samsung Electronics rose 0.88 percent after the world's No 1 memory chip maker said on Friday it was targeting double-digit sales growth this year, with operating profit to exceed the 2009 level. "I think the company gave a very conservative earnings outlook...double-digit sales growth can't be missed given the current strength in the memory chip market in particular," said Seo Won-seok, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities.
"Smart phones are often named as a concern, but Samsung Electronics' main target would be the mass market, which is looking for friendly prices...I think second-half macro uncertainties and forex swings are more of a concern." LG Electronics, the world's No 3 maker of handset, ended up 0.46 percent, and Hynix Semiconductor, the world's No 2 memory chip maker, advanced 1.67 percent.
The chief executive of LG Electronics Inc said competition in the TV business was expected to intensify as Japanese rivals such as Sony Corp became more aggressive. Aggressive counter-marketing strategies by South Korean technology firms may weigh on their margins, but their market positions will not likely be threatened, according to Kim Young-june, an analyst at LIG Investment & Securities.
"Japanese firms are sure to aggressively tackle (their market share loss). But the upgrade in Samsung Elec's brand value was not due to volatile factors such as forex moves, but the actual superiority of its products." Carmakers rallied as quarterly earnings hopes strengthened on robust sales.
"Kia Motors in particular saw very strong sales this quarter, not only of its usual small models but also mid-sized cars. Expectations of an earnings surprise have significantly strengthened foreign buying of the shares," said Michael Sohn, an analyst at Woori Investment & Securities. Kia Motors rose 5.04 percent and Hyundai Motor went up 3.14 percent.
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