South Korean stocks got off to a strong start on Monday in the first trading of the year, buoyed by gains in technology shares, analysts said.   The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 5.9 points, or 0.29 percent, to 2,056.9 in the first 15 minutes of trading.   Tech issues led the climb with chip giant Hynix Semiconductor adding nearly 4 percent.   Financial shares also len

Stocks and equity funds were the most profitable investments in 2010 with the domestic securities market emerging strongly from the financial crisis, industry data showed.Investors in real estate, however, suffered from lackluster yields as the property market remained sluggish despite government stimulus. The benchmark KOSPI rose by 21 percent throughout 2010 to reach 2,051 points on Thursday, th

Three new policymakers join Lee's economic teamThe stalled consolidation of the financial industry is likely to gain momentum this year under new top regulator Kim Seok-dong, renowned for drive and problem-solving ability. President Lee Myung-bak on Friday named Kim, 57, chairman of the Financial Services Commission. He will take office on Monday. As a former director general and vice chairman of