Korean won-volatility

SEOUL, Nov. 2 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean won sharply weakened against the U.S. dollar Monday, as institutional traders appeared to have locked in gains after the won's recent advance.

The won was quoted at 1,343.8 won per dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 9.5 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

It marked the first time since Oct. 15 that the Korean currency hovered around 1,340 won to the greenback.

Traders have also kept a watchful eye on the U.S. midterm elections that are expected to affect Washington's polices on global geopolitical and economic fronts.

Foreign investors sold a net 374 billion won (US$278 million) worth of local shares during the latest regular stock trading session, with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gaining 2.24 percent to close at 5,859.08.

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