Seoul shares finished flat on Thursday after a rangebound trading session, with data showing that China's manufacturing activity declined for a fifth straight month weighing on counters with heavy exposure to Chinese demand. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ticked 0.05 percent lower to close at 2,026.12, posting a third consecutive loss and marginally extending a one-week closing low set on Wednesday.
Auto parts maker Hyundai Wia Corp rose 2.7 percent, with analysts citing an upswing in sales and proactive measures to calm investors after sources told of a planned 340 billion won ($301 million) block sale by stakeholders Hyundai Motor Co and KIA Motors Corp. The benchmark KOSPI 200 index inched 0.07 percent higher, while the smaller-cap, tech-heavy KOSDAQ fell 1.13 percent.