Seoul shares close at new high on tech rally amid AI optimism

South Korean stocks extended a rally to a fresh all-time high Monday, driven by strong gains in stocks related to artificial intelligence. The local currency rose against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 311.85 points, or 3.68 percent, to close at 8,788.38, after hitting a new intraday high of 8,874.16. The index opened at a record high and extended its gains, prompting the Korea Exchange to activate a buy-side sidecar, which suspended program trading of Kospi