▲ This photo, taken July 18, 2025, shows the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul. (Yonhap)

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Seoul shares open higher on U.S. gains

SEOUL, July 18 (Yonhap) -- Seoul shares opened higher Friday, tracking gains on Wall Street following the release of strong economic data despite lingering concerns over U.S. tariffs.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 4.54 points, or 0.14 percent, to 3,196.83 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.52 percent to 44,484.49, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite climbed 0.75 percent to 20,885.65.

An increase in U.S. retail sales in June eased concerns over weak consumer spending, while applications for U.S. unemployment benefits also declined last month.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently notified key U.S. trading partners of new tariff rates set to take effect Aug. 1 unless they offer sweetened terms in ongoing negotiations.

In Seoul, tech and auto stocks led gains.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 1.05 percent, and chip giant SK hynix climbed 0.19 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor gained 0.48 percent, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution was up 1.26 percent.

Among decliners, shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean fell 0.74 percent, and leading shipping firm HMM shed 1.78 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,391.15 won against the U.S. dollar at 9:15 a.m., up 1.45 won from the previous session.

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