(LEAD) Seoul shares end flat amid lack of leads

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom)

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed nearly flat Friday as investors took a wait-and-see approach amid an absence of market-moving news. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 1.69 points, or 0.08 percent to 2,028.99. Trade volume was moderate at 469 million shares worth 3.93 trillion won (US$3.41 billion), with losers outpacing gainers 429 to 386.

Analysts said Seoul shares closed lower as investors awaited for other market-moving events, especially after the U.S. stock markets were closed overnight for Thanksgiving.

Investor sentiment was slightly affected by concerns that the latest attack on a Russian jet by Turkey on Tuesday may spread into further geopolitical risks.

"(Due to a lack of events), the main index is expected to move in a limited range rather than show a clear direction," said Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at Daishin Securities Co.

Foreigners sold a net 40.7 billion won, while individuals offloaded a net 116.2 billion won. Institutions bought a net 12.2 billion won.

No. 1 carmaker Hyundai Motor moved down 0.98 percent to 151,000 won, and Kia Motors shed 0.37 percent to 53,700 won. Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis, in contrast, moved up 0.4 percent.

Market behemoth Samsung Electronics slid 0.6 percent to 1,327,000 won and SK hynix lost 2.29 percent to 32,000 won. LG Electronics decreased 2.32 percent to 54,800 won.

Logistics also closed bearish, with Hyundai Glovis falling 1.53 percent to 193,000 won and CJ Korea Express losing 0.52 percent.

Mobile carriers closed higher, with SK Telecom moving up 0.85 percent to 237,000 won and KT rising 0.51 percent to 29,800 won. LG Uplus advanced 0.47 percent to 10,600 won.

The local currency ended at 1,153.00 won against the greenback, down 5.7 won from Thursday's close.

Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys added 2 basis points to 1.798 percent and the return on the benchmark five-year government bonds rose 2.8 basis points to 1.984 percent.

colin@yna.co.kr
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