Seoul stocks closed more than 1.5 percent higher on Monday, driven by positive US employment data and modest gains in chip and battery shares. The local currency experienced a significant decline against the US dollar. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose by 1.58 percent to 2,610.38 points, with trading volume reaching 336 million shares valued at 10.2 trillion won ($7.57 billion). Institutional and foreign investors made a net purchase of 98 billion won, while retail investors sold a net 129.8 billion won. Analysts, such as Kim Ji-won from KB Securities, attributed the market's performance to the encouraging US employment figures, which alleviated concerns about a slowdown in the US economy. Chip shares in Seoul saw notable increases ahead of Samsung Electronics' upcoming quarterly earnings report, with Samsung and SK hynix both recording gains. Additionally, battery manufacturers like LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI advanced on expectations of increased demand related to Tesla's anticipated unveiling of its robotaxi project. Other sectors that saw gains included financial firms, automakers, and defense-related companies amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.