Seoul shares up 0.39 pct in late-morning trade

 
South Korean stocks traded 0.39 percent higher late Thursday morning, led by gains in autos and builders, analysts said.
   
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved
up 7.63 points to 1,942.94 as of 11:20 a.m.
   
Carmakers led the market gain, with leading player Hyundai Motor rising 1.89 percent and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors adding 1.79 percent. Top auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis gained 1.74 percent.
  
Construction firms traded higher, with Hyundai Engineering & Construction rising 0.34 percent and Daelim Industrial adding 1.19 percent. Hyundai Development climbed 2.32 percent.
  
The local currency was changing hands at 1,114.80 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 2.90 won from Wednesday's close. (Yonhap News)