0047 GMT - South Korea's benchmark Kospi rises 0.9% to 2503.43 in early trade, as defense and shipbuilding stocks advance. Bargain hunting is kicking in after the previous session's sharp declines, Kiwoom Securities says in a note. The country's stronger-than-expected March trade is also supporting investor sentiment. Retail investors are net buyers. Self-propelled howitzer maker Hanwha Aerospace rises 6.4%, leading a broad rally in defense stocks. HD Hyundai Mipo gains 4.5% as most local shipbuilding peers are advancing after the latest trade data show strong export growth for vessels. USD/KRW is 0.1% higher at 1,474.9 in Seoul onshore trading. South Korea's 10-year government bond yield is down 7.1 bps at 2.771% (kwanwoo.jun@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 31, 2025 20:47 ET (00:47 GMT)
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