Seoul: South Korean stocks traded nearly flat late Wednesday morning amid uncertainties surrounding the U.S. trade policy for the semiconductor and automobile sectors. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index had edged down 0.56 points, or 0.02 percent, to 2,519.8 as of 11:20 a.m.

According to Yonhap News Agency, in Seoul, top tech giant Samsung Electronics experienced a significant decline, sliding 2.74 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix saw a drop of 3.5 percent. Among automakers, leading carmaker Hyundai Motors shed 0.67 percent, and Kia decreased by 1.75 percent. Additionally, auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis reported a loss of 0.4 percent in its stock value.

The local currency was trading at 1,397.4 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., marking an increase of 0.8 won from the previous session.