The South Korean won ended up on Friday, putting an end to six straight days of decline on fresh hopes from positive US economic data and a successful auction of Spanish bonds. The local currency closed at 1,158.6, compared with Thursday's close of 1,163.0, with traders doubting that the good news would lead to an overall turnaround for the euro zone debt crisis.
"South Korean stocks closed up and as the euro and Australian dollar rallied, short-covering was seen nearer the market's end," said a local bank dealer. "There aren't any special events to look forward to over the weekend, but this isn't enough to carry positions over that period." Traders said minimal spot trading had led to a general slowdown in the market as offshore funds started closing their books and dealers head for their winter vacations.