Seoul shares down 0.1 pct in late-morning trade

South Korean stocks pared earlier gains to trade 0.1 percent lower late Wednesday morning, dented by losses of Samsung Electronics Co.
   
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 1.8 points to 1,778.83 as of 11:20 a.m.
   
Top-cap Samsung Electronics slumped more than 2.5 percent, driving down the main index. The tech heavyweight accounts for about 17 percent of the KOSPI's total market cap.
   
In contrast, other blue-chip exporters gathered ground, with Kia Motors, an automaker, climbing 1.7 percent.
   
The local currency was changing hands at 1,154.25 won against the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 5.95 won from Tuesday's close. (Yonhap News)