Kospi snaps 3-day rise on profit-taking; won sharply down

South Korean stocks fell Thursday, snapping a three-session winning streak and retreating from record highs as investors locked in profits.

The local currency fell sharply against the US dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 162.08 points, or 1.84 percent, to close at 8,639.41.

Trade volume was moderate at 431.77 million shares worth 46.2 trillion won ($30.2 billion), with winners slightly outnumbering losers 446 to 444.

Institutions and individuals bought a net 1.81 tr ...