South Korean stocks ended lower on Monday as investors adopted a cautious approach ahead of the US Federal Reserve's upcoming rate-setting meeting. The country's currency also experienced a significant decline against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed down 0.79 percent at 2,701.17, with trade volume reaching 499.3 million shares valued at 11.16 trillion won ($8.1 billion). Retail investors acquired a net 553.8 billion worth of shares, while foreigners and institutions made net purchases of 18.9 billion won and net sales of 567.9 billion won, respectively. The market initially opened lower, following Wall Street's losses on Friday due to stronger-than-expected employment data, which dampened expectations for a US rate cut. The US Federal Reserve's rate-setting meeting is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, contributing to short-term anticipated losses this week due to rising bond rates and a strong US dollar. In the stock market, major companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Chem, and Celltrion experienced negative performance, while battery manufacturers LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDS suffered heavy losses. However, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors saw modest gains. The local currency closed at 1,376 won against the US dollar, marking a decrease of 10.7 won from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)