Seoul stocks open higher on China hopes

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks got off to a solid start on
Thursday, lifted by expectations China is set to release a new economic stimulus
plan, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 9.75 points, or 0.92
percent, to 1,069.01 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Investors got a boost from word that China will announce an additional stimulus
package in the annual meeting of its legislative body on Thursday.
Local shipbuilders and steelmakers opened sharply higher on hopes China's move
will expand their orders down the road.
The local currency was trading at 1,543.9 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m.,
up 7.10 won from Wednesday's close.
pbr@yna.co.kr
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