Seoul shares open higher on eased Mideast tensions, mega chip deals

South Korean stocks started higher Monday as the United States paused strikes on Iran over the weekend, easing military tensions in the Middle East. Opening 1.73 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index narrowed gains, adding 45.47 points, or 0.68 percent, to 6,736.09 as of 9:15 a.m. The US has held off its attack on Iran since Friday after 13 days of air strikes, raising hopes of a diplomatic solution to the near five-month war. Oil prices also fell as Brent crude futures