South Korean shares edged up 0.28 percent Friday as investors indulged in Samsung Electronics shares on growing expectations for dividend payouts, analysts said. The local currency fell sharply against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 5.5 points to 1,964.43. Trading volume was moderate at 342.8 million shares worth 5.29 trillion won (US$4.96 billion), with losers leading winners 466 to 338.