Seoul shares trade almost flat in late-morning trade

South Korean stocks traded almost flat late Tuesday morning as investor sentiment was dented by lower-than-expected economic data from the United States and China,analysts said.
   
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 0.69 points, or 0.03 percent to 1996.68 as of 11:20 a.m.
   
Tech blue chips gathered ground, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics rising 1.06 percent and top flat panel manufacturer LG Display adding 0.63 percent.
   
In contrast, logistics shares traded lower, with Hyundai Glovis decreasing 1.05 percent and Hyundai Merchant Marine falling 0.7 percent. Korean Air Lines, South Korea's top air carrier, lost 0.25 percent.
   
The local currency was changing hands at 1,111.10 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 3.7 won from Monday's close. (Yonhap News)