Seoul: South Korean stocks fell slightly to end a three-session winning streak Friday as investors hunted for profits by dumping battery and bank shares despite eased tariff woes on a U.S.-Britain trade deal. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 2.21 points, or 0.09 percent, to close at 2,577.27. The index had risen for three consecutive sessions since Friday, with the local financial market being closed on Monday and Tuesday for the Children’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday holidays.

Trade volume was moderate at 478.2 million shares worth 7.73 trillion won (US$5.52 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 535 to 353. Institutions led the daily drop by selling a net 187 billion won, while foreigners and individuals purchased a net 67.3 billion won and 63.1 billion won, respectively.

Overnight, U.S. stocks concluded higher as a trade agreement between Washington and London increased hopes for tariff negotiations with other countries. However, in Seoul, battery and bank shares led the declines. Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution fell 2.9 percent to 318,000 won, and POSCO Future M sank 4.74 percent to 120,500 won. Major lender KB Financial Group lost 2.65 percent to 92,000 won, while Shinhan Financial Group shed 0.39 percent to 50,700 won.

Other decliners included major shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, which declined 0.62 percent to 79,800 won, and flagship air carrier Korean Air, which retreated 2.22 percent to 22,050 won. On the other hand, tech giant Samsung Electronics rose 0.37 percent to 54,800 won, and top carmaker Hyundai Motor increased 1.5 percent to 189,900 won. Naver, the No. 1 online portal operator, added 1.22 percent to 191,000 won, while defense firm Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) jumped 5.44 percent to 93,100 won.

The local currency was trading at 1,400 won against the dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 3.4 won from the previous session.