Seoul shares rise on techs, autos; banks retreat

* KOSPI reverses losses despite institutional, retail selling

* Financials lower amid higher Woori share volume

* Investors await tallies from U.S. Black Friday shopping (Updates to mid-morning)

By Jungyoun Park

SEOUL, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Seoul shares reversed early losses to rise modestly late on Thursday morning, on gains by key technology counters and carmakers, but economic outlook caution following weaker South Korean business sentiment data limited gains.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was up 0.39 percent at 1,618.16 points as of 0132 GMT.

"But gains are limited as there is a lack of compelling positive factors. It seems investors are awaiting tallies from U.S. holiday shopping from this weekends," said Kim Seung-han, a market analyst at HI Investment Securities.

"The market's near-term direction will probably be determined by how investors view U.S. shopping activity this holiday season," Kim added.

Sentiment was also dented by data on Thursday that showed South Korean manufacturers' assessment of the business outlook for December fell for a second straight month, adding to growing concern that economic recovery momentum may slow in coming months. [ID:nSEO266883]