South Korean shares declined on Friday, snapping three straight days of gains, owing to investors booking profits. In addition, investors also awaited the results of US-China trade talks, which are scheduled to take place this weekend in Switzerland.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi declined by 2.21 points, or 0.09%, to close at 2,577.27. The Kosdaq also decreased by 7.07 points, or 0.97%, to close at 722.52.
In economic news, South Korea's current account surplus increased to $9.14 billion in March from $7.18 billion in February, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released Friday.
Compared with the year-ago period, the figure rose from a surplus of $6.99 billion, the central bank said.
The goods account registered a surplus of $8.49 billion, driven by a 2.2% annual increase in exports to $59.31 billion. Imports also added 2.3% to $50.82 billion from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the services account posted a deficit of $2.21 billion, primarily due to deficits in travel and other business services accounts.
The primary income account recorded a $3.23 billion surplus in the month, owing to higher equity income. The secondary income account incurred a deficit of $370 million.
In corporate news, LG Energy Solution (KRX:373220) completed the acquisition of Ultium Cells LLC 3, transforming the nearly finished Lansing, Michigan, facility into its third standalone plant in North America, the battery manufacturer said in a Thursday press release.
The 950,000-square-meter site, 98% complete as of May, allows the company to fast-track production while lowering new investment burdens amid rising US infrastructure costs, the release said.
The value of the deal was undisclosed.
Shares of LG Energy Solution fell nearly 3% at market close on Friday.
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