South Korean shares ended flat on Wednesday as gains among some exporters such as Hyundai Motor following a drop in oil prices were offset as retailer stocks fell sharply on data showing slower consumer demand.
Trading volumes were thin ahead of a busy day that will include US consumer prices data and testimony by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke before the US Congress at a time of deep uncertainties about growth at the world's largest economy.
LG Electronics Inc pared gains late in the session after posting a surprise quarterly net loss, but still ended up 0.39 percent at 51,700 won after its operating profit beat estimates. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended up 0.02 percent at 1,233.65.
Although that marked an improvement from the past four sessions, over which the KOSPI fell 5.2 percent, few were willing to call a bottom just yet.
"People are waiting on the US macroeconomic data and Bernanke's opinion on the current economic situation," said Kim Tae-hong, a senior fund manager at Mirae Asset Investment Management.
Some buying again emerged after oil prices fell more than 2 percent to below $74 a barrel amid signs that the conflict between Israel and Hizbollah in Lebanon, which had sent oil to record highs last week, would not spread through the region.
Exporters rose, with Hyundai Motor Co, the country's biggest auto maker, up 0.86 percent at 70,600 won.