Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher despite oil price hikes | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks finished over 1 percent higher Monday on gains in chipmakers, snapping a two-day losing streak, despite heightened uncertainty over hostilities in the Middle East that continued to keep oil prices elevated. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N. Korea holds parliamentary elections prev Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher despite oil price hikes Next Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher despite oil price hikes

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OK
SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks finished over 1 percent higher Monday on gains in chipmakers, snapping a two-day losing streak, despite heightened uncertainty over hostilities in the Middle East that continued to keep oil prices elevated.
After choppy trading, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 62.61 points, or 1.14 percent, to close at 5,549.85.
Global crude prices continued to fluctuate as U.S. President Donald Trump increased pressure on nations to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude traded around US$105 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $99.
Traders work inside a dealing room at Hana Bank in central Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher despite oil price hikes
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Seoul shares close over 1 pct higher despite oil price hikes

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Traders work inside a dealing room at Hana Bank in central Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Yonhap) khj@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #stocks #KOSPI Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- Traders work inside a dealing room at Hana Bank in central Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Yonhap) khj@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #stocks #KOSPI Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N.
- Korea weighs Trump's ship request with careful consideration (LEAD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, seoul, drills topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 385.