Seoul stocks start stronger on foreign, institutional buying

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened 0.65 percent higher
Thursday, fueled by foreign and institutional buying, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) increased 10.34 points to
trade at 1,601.97 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The key index rose above the 1,600-mark for the first time since last Thursday
when Dubai debt concerns were sparked.
Electronics shares led the market gain on strong overseas investors' purchases.
The local currency was trading at 1,155.2 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m.,
down 1.2 won from Wednesday's close.
pbr@yna.co.kr
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