(2nd LD) Seoul shares soar over 4 pct to snap 3-day slide on tech rally, oil prices fall

What happened: South Korean stocks closed more than 4 percent higher, snapping a three-day slide, as technology shares rallied and oil prices fell on hopes for a possible end to the Middle East war. Key numbers: KOSPI closed up 220.28 points, or 4.39 percent, at 5,239.13. Trade volume was 241 million shares worth 16.2 trillion won. Why it matters: An analyst cited U.S. semiconductor gains for the second straight session as boosting South Korean stocks in the semiconductor value chain. Lower oil prices lifted airliners, with Korean Air up 11.51 percent and Asiana Airlines up 11.68 percent. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

South Korean stocks closed more than 4 percent higher, snapping a three-day slide, as technology shares rallied and oil prices fell on hopes for a possible end to the Middle East war.

An analyst cited U.S. semiconductor gains for the second straight session as boosting South Korean stocks in the semiconductor value chain. Lower oil prices lifted airliners, with Korean Air up 11.51 percent and Asiana Airlines up 11.68 percent.