The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) opened slightly higher on Monday, following gains on Wall Street and amid growing expectations for a US rate cut. The index added 2.85 points, or 0.11 percent, reaching 2,704.54 in the first 15 minutes of trading. This increase was influenced by remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicating potential rate cuts in the near future. In Seoul, major companies experienced mixed trading, with Samsung Electronics declining 0.39 percent, SK hynix gaining 0.43 percent, Celltrion surging 1.61 percent, LG Energy Solution spiking 3.06 percent, and Hyundai Motor losing 0.79 percent. Additionally, the local currency was trading at 1,326.85 won against the US dollar, up 1.15 won from the previous session's close. The opening of South Korean shares saw a slight increase on Monday, driven by optimism over a potential US rate cut and following significant gains on Wall Street. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) rose by 2.85 points, or 0.11 percent, reaching 2,704.54 within the first 15 minutes of trading. This uptick was influenced by comments from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinting at the possibility of impending rate cuts. In Seoul, major companies experienced varied trading, with Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor declining, while SK hynix, Celltrion, and LG Energy Solution saw gains. The local currency also strengthened, trading at 1,326.85 won against the US dollar, marking an increase of 1.15 won from the previous session's close.