Seoul shares up 0.19 pct in late-morning trade

SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded 0.19 percent higher late Wednesday morning, as hopes that the Federal Reserve may frame measures to boost the fragile U.S. economy overshadowed the eurozone debt woes, analysts said.
After trading in a tight range, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 3.51 points to 1,841.48 as of 11:20 a.m.
Chip giant Hynix Semiconductor rose 1.62 percent after its shareholders said they will allow more firms to bid for a 15 percent stake in the chipmaker after STX Group dropped its bid.
Fed policymakers are holding a two-day meeting through Wednesday amid expectations that the U.S. central bank may unveil steps to boost the weakening economy.
The local currency was trading at 1,145.65 won to the greenback as of 11:20 a.m., up 2.75 won from Tuesday's close.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
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