Seoul stocks up 0.55 pct in late morning

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded 0.55 percent higher late
Thursday morning as a rebound in Chinese shares buoyed investor sentiment,
analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 8.48 points to
1,554.44 as of 11:20 a.m.
"Investor sentiment got a boost as Chinese stocks opened stronger following
recent big falls," said Kim Seung-han, an analyst at Hi Securities. "Eyes have
been on the movements in China's equity market as their recent tumbles raised
jitters over a possible deep correction."
The local currency was trading at 1,249.9 won to the U.S. dollar as of 11:20
a.m., up 6.1 won from Wednesday's close.
pbr@yna.co.kr
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