South Korea Won Weakens on Speculation Central Bank May Sell the Currency

(Bloomberg) -- The South Korean won fell on
speculation traders were betting the central bank will sell the
currency to keep the price of exports from rising. Government
bonds declined.

The won has strengthened 1.5 percent over the past month
while the yen has weakened by the same magnitude, putting Korean
export companies at a disadvantage versus their Japanese rivals.
The finance ministry and the Bank of Korea last week warned they
will take action in the market to stem excessive gains after the
currency reached the highest in a decade against the yen.


Read more at Bloomberg Emerging Markets News

South Korea's Kospi Index Advances; Chipmakers Rise, LG Household Falls

(Bloomberg) -- South Korean stocks advanced for a
sixth day. Samsung Electronics Co. and Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
rose after chipmakers raised prices of computer memory.

LG Household & Health Care Ltd. fell after the company said
it's in exclusive talks to buy Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd.'s bottling
unit in Korea for as much as A$545 million ($467 million).


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News

South Korea Stocks Climb to Record; Brokerages Pace Gains in `Bull Market'

(Bloomberg) -- South Korean stocks climbed, pushing
the key index to a record. Brokerages jumped, led by Samsung
Securities Co., after Hyundai Securities Co. said investors will
put more money into equities, increasing demand for the companies'
services.

``Interest in local stocks is rising thanks to the market's
good performance,'' said Choi Chang Hoon, who helps manage $860
million at Woori Credit Suisse Asset Management Co. in Seoul.
``Brokerage stocks are likely to stick to their upward track for
the time being.''


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News

South Korea's Kospi Index Jumps Most in 11 Months: World's Biggest Mover

(Bloomberg) -- South Korean stocks jumped the most
in 11 months after U.S. retail sales rose and the Federal
Reserve said growth isn't stoking inflation, damping speculation
interest rates will be increased in the world's biggest economy.
LG.Philips LCD Co. and Hyundai Motor Co. led exporters higher.

``As concerns recede a bit people can see what's really
happening, which is that economies are still strong,'' said Kim
Young Il, who oversees about $1.1 billion as chief investment
officer at Hanwha Investment Trust Management Co. in Seoul.
``There will be rate increases but only enough to control,
rather than cut off economic momentum. It's OK to buy stocks.''


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News

South Korean Stocks Fall, Ending Seven-Day Gain; Samsung Electronics Slips

(Bloomberg) -- South Korean stocks fell, snapping a
seven-day advance. Samsung Electronics Co. declined after U.S.
labor expenses jumped more than forecast, raising concern
inflation will pick up in the world's largest economy.

The Kospi index slid 16.01, or 0.9 percent, to 1726.18 as of
9:22 a.m. in Seoul. About two stocks declined for every one that
rose. The Kosdaq added 0.1 percent to 750.98. Kospi 200 futures
expiring in June lost 0.8 percent to 220.25, while the underlying
index dropped 0.8 percent to 220.55.


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News

South Korean Won Rises to Near Two-Week High on Inflows to Stock Market

(Bloomberg) -- The South Korean won advanced to near
its highest in two weeks on speculation gains in local equities
will encourage overseas investment in the nation's assets.

The won has advanced 2.5 percent over the past three months
as signs of an economic recovery helped boost Korean stocks by 21
percent this year to a record close yesterday. Reports last week
showed overseas sales rose more than expected in May and service
companies increased output at a faster pace in April.


Read more at Bloomberg Currencies News

South Korea Builders, After Years in Desert, Win Record Middle East Orders

(Bloomberg) -- Years of working in the desert are
paying off for South Korean building contractors as they reap
record orders from the Middle East.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., South Korea's
largest general contractor, and its domestic rivals have won
more than $6.6 billion in new business from the Mideast so far
this year. That's more than double the total at the same point
last year and halfway to matching a record set in 1981,
according to the International Contractors Association of Korea.


Read more at Bloomberg Exclusive News