S. Korean won may average 1,124 per U.S. dollar in H1 of 2010

SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's currency is expected to continue to
strengthen against the U.S. dollar in the first half of next year on the back of
the dollar's weakness, a private survey showed Monday.

The won is likely to average 1,124 per the dollar for the January-June period in
2010, the Federation of Korean Industries said in a survey of 108 analysts and
foreign-exchange officials at major companies.
A strong won has raised concerns about the profitability and price
competitiveness of local exporters.
The won may extend its gains in the first half of next year because of the
dollar's weakness, South Korea's current account surplus and net selling of local
stocks by foreign investors, the federation said in a statement.
In the third quarter of this year, the local currency averaged 1,239.74 per the
dollar, according to the federation.
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