Korean stocks end almost flat

South Korean stocks closed almost unchanged Monday as investors took to the sidelines waiting for a slew of key data and economic events in the coming days. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 1.98 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 2,012.32. Trade volume was slim at 346.73 million shares worth 4.14 trillion won ($3.64 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 436 to 374.

Market analysts say the market is expected to remain in a tight range as investors take a wait-and-see approach as the U.S. Federal Reserve is set to decide its policy rate Wednesday.

"The KOSPI may move in a neutral manner hovering around the 2,000-point mark," said Kim Yong-koo, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment Co.

Foreign investors scooped up a net 198.4 billion won worth of local stocks, extending their buying binge to a 13th consecutive session.

Most closed with slight gains except with Samsung Electronics losing for the second consecutive day to end at 1,502,000 won, down 0.92 percent from the previous day's close.

AmorePacific, the No. 1 cosmetics maker, fell 2.65 percent to 403,500 won.

SK hynix, a global chipmaker, rose 1.56 percent to 32,500 won.

Auto industry leader Hyundai Motor jumped 5.04 percent to 135,500 won, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors closed at 43,100 won, up 3.48 percent.

Hyundai Motor is scheduled to announce its quarterly earnings Tuesday.

The local currency closed at 1,137,00 won against the U.S. dollar, down 2.60 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)