Seoul shares open at new record high over 8,000 on hopes for US-Iran deal

South Korean stocks opened at a new record high of over 8,000 Tuesday on rising hopes for a US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 183.8 points, or 2.34 percent, to 8,031.51 as of 9:15 a.m.

The index topped the 8,000-point mark for the first time since May 15.

Overnight, US President Donald Trump said that peace negotiations with Iran are proceeding "nicely" but warned of fresh attacks if they fail.

On optimism for a possible end of the ...