Seoul stocks spike over 4% to settle again in 8,000 territory on hopes for end to Mideast crisis

Seoul stocks rose by more than 4 percent Friday, as investors snapped up tech heavyweights amid hopes the war between the United States and Iran could end soon.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed up 359.67 points, or 4.63 percent, at 8,123.62 after rising as high as 8,434.40.

After opening sharply higher on renewed hopes that the war between the US and Iran is near its end, the index trimmed earlier gains on profit taking ahead of the closing bell.

Trade volume was heavy at 4 ...