Seoul stocks open marginally higher ahead of rate decision

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks started slightly higher Thursday
on investor caution ahead of the central bank's interest rate decision, analysts
said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 1.16 points, or
0.07 percent, to trade at 1,595.98 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The Bank of Korea is widely forecast to keep its rate steady at a record-low 2
percent to ensure the sustainability of an economic recovery. The central bank is
to release its rate decision later in the morning.
The Seoul bourse opened at 10:00 a.m., one hour later than the regular opening
because of a nation-wide college entrance exam.
The local currency was trading at 1,157.35 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15
a.m., up 0.65 won from Wednesday's close.
pbr@yna.co.kr