0013 GMT - South Korea's benchmark Kospi falls 0.3% to 2663.59 in early trade, as profit taking kicks in after a seven-session winning streak. Shipbuilding and defense stocks retreat after solid recent gains. Foreign and institutional investors are net sellers. Shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries falls 5.2% as its intermediate holding company HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering drops 4.4%, losing ground after two straight sessions of gains. Defense company Hanwha Aerospace sheds 2.0%. USD/KRW is 0.2% higher at 1,441.25 in Seoul onshore trading. South Korea's 10-year government bond yield is down 0.5 basis point at 2.873%. (kwanwoo.jun@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 19, 2025 19:14 ET (00:14 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.