South Korean shares ended slightly higher on April 8, as investors pinned hopes on the progress made in trade talks between the United States and China. The Korean won fell against the US dollar.

The benchmark Kospi gained 0.99 point, or 0.04 percent, to close at 2,210.6. Trading volume was moderate at 335.88 million shares worth 4.55 trillion won ($3.98 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 428 to 397.

Foreigners scooped up a net 275.46 billion won worth of local stocks to support the broader market. Institutions and retail investors offloaded a net 173.96 billion won and 103.1 billion won, respectively.

The local currency closed at 1,144.70 won against the US dollar, down 8.10 won from the previous day’s close.

By Ram Garikipati and newswires (ram@heraldcorp.com)