Seoul stocks up 0.33 pct late morning

SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded 0.33 percent higher late
Thursday morning, buoyed by overnight U.S. market climbs, analysts said.
Capping a four-day losing streak, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index
(KOSPI) advanced 5.39 points to trade at 1,630.87 won as of 11:20 a.m.
The U.S. Federal Reserve's upbeat comment on the economy and its decision to
freeze its overnight target interest rate at near zero percent helped Wall Street
shares gain ground on Wednesday.
Key exporters including Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor led the market
advance on hopes of stronger-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter.
The local currency was trading at 1,160.35 won to the U.S. dollar as of 11:20
a.m., down 0.45 won from Wednesday's close.
pbr@yna.co.kr
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