Seoul shares ended nearly flat on Wednesday after sharp gains in previous session as domestic data including weaker-than-expected export figures prompted investors to lock in profits in much-gained exporters like Hyundai Motor.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index ended down 0.05 percent or 1.13 points at 2,141.34 points. KOSPI 200 June futures rose 0.75 points to 283.6 points and the KOSPI 200 spot index fell 0.01 points to 282.75. The junior Kosdaq market ended down 0.27 percent at 483.23.
Foreign investors remained buyers for a second straight session, picking up a modest 47.4 billion won ($43.9 million) worth of stocks, but the buying trend could easily switch to selling, analysts said.
The strength of core consumer prices, despite a slight fall in the headline figure, and slower-than-expected export growth weighed on car exporters and retailers.
Hyundai Motor's monthly sales in May fell 1.5 percent from the preceding month, while Kia sales dropped 4 percent.
Hyundai Motor fell 3.6 percent and Kia Motors shed 3.7 percent.
Retailers declined after the consumer price index showed continued strength in core consumer prices.
Lotte Shopping, the country's No 1 retailer, lost 2.9 percent and Hyundai Department Store declined 3 percent. But shipbuilders continued to rally amid news of orders and robust earnings.
Shares in Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering surged 2.7 percent and Samsung Heavy Industries gained 2.4 percent. Firm gains in insurers gave the market further support.
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