Seoul shares end over 6% higher on tech rally despite Middle East tensions

Seoul shares ended more than 6 percent higher Wednesday, led by gains in technology heavyweights, although persistent tensions in the Middle East remained a key concern for investors. The Korean won rose against the US dollar. After opening 3.3 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index extended its gains to close at 7,284.41, up 427.58 points, or 6.24 percent from a session earlier. Local stocks advanced after Tuesday's softer-than-expected US inflation data lifted Wall Str