South Korean stocks traded nearly flat late Monday morning as investors stood on the sidelines ahead of a key rate meeting by the central bank, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 1.76 points, or 0.09 percent, to 1,959.26 as of 11:20 a.m.
Financial shares traded mixed as the Bank of Korea is expected to keep the base rate on hold for a fourth consecutive month at its policy meeting on Tuesday.
No. 1 Shinhan Financial Group fell 0.47 percent and Hana Financial Group added 0.87 percent, while KB Financial Group was unmoved.
Air carriers were also mixed ahead of a long holiday for Lunar New Year from Wednesday, with Korean Air Lines dropping 1.39 percent and Asiana Airlines staying flat.
The local currency was trading at 1,098.45 won against the U.S. dollar, down 1.45 won from Friday's close. (Yonhap)