Seoul shares trade down 0.34 pct in late morning

By Lee Youkyung
SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded 0.34 percent lower late
Thursday morning, as institutional investors sold large-cap financial shares,
analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) slid 5.65 points to
1,658.59 as of 11:20 a.m.
Most large-caps traded in negative territory as institutional investors cut
holdings of local shares on the U.S. central bank's hinting at a rate hike next
year. Top financial firm KB Financial Group fell more than 1 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,172.75 won to the greenback as of 11:20 a.m.,
down 7.75 won from Wednesday's close.
ylee@yna.co.kr
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