Seoul shares close at new high on tech rally, Mideast optimism

South Korean stocks rebounded to a fresh all-time high Friday, driven by strong gains in stocks related to artificial intelligence and renewed optimism about a potential ceasefire in the Middle East.

The local currency fell against the US dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 290.86 points, or 3.55 percent, to close at 8,476.15, after hitting a new intraday high of 8,615.09.

Trade volume was heavy at 701.5 million shares worth 73.7 trillion won ($48.9 billion), with loser ...