Seoul shares extend slight gains

South Korean stocks traded slightly higher late Friday morning, extending gains to six sessions in a row, as the US Federal Reserve has decided to keep its key rate unchanged.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 3.57 points, or 0.17 percent, to 2,053.27 as of 11:20 a.m.

The Fed on Wednesday maintained its target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent.

Large-cap stocks traded mixed across the board.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics Co. lost 1.67 percent after gaining for 10 sessions in a row.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor, meanwhile, gained 2.45 percent, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors traded 0.14 percent higher.

The local currency was trading at 1,104.60 won against the US dollar, down 1.30 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)