Tensions Ease, South Korean Stocks Up 0.83%

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or the KOSPI, climbed higher to another 52-week high on Monday, as stock markets throughout the Asian region posted gains. The Korean stock market got a lift from news that North Korea was backing down from its earlier threats of retaliation against military drills that were being carried out by South Korea. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index opened at 2,035.11, which was slightly above the previous day's close at 2,020.28. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index remained in positive territory, moving within a narrow range for the rest of the day. The KOSPI ended the Monday trading session up 16.81 points, or 0.83%, at 2,037.09. The KOSPI moved in a range between 2,032.66 and a 52-week high of 2,043.81. Investors who would like to invest in South Korean equities might want to consider the iShares MSCI South Korea Index (NYSE:

), which seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in the South Korean markets, as measured by the MSCI South Korea index. Read more