Seoul: South Korean stocks opened a tad lower Wednesday as economic uncertainties weighed heavily on Wall Street overnight. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 0.91 point, or 0.03 percent, to 2,629.38 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. stocks struggled Tuesday, as weaker-than-expected consumer confidence dampened investor sentiment. The S and P 500 and the Nasdaq fell for the fourth consecutive session, driven by losses from big tech companies.
In Seoul, major shares started mixed. Top-cap Samsung Electronics sank 1.05 percent, but its chipmaking rival SK hynix gained 0.25 percent. Leading biotech firm Samsung Biologics dropped 1.27 percent, and No. 1 carmaker Hyundai Motor rose 0.99 percent.
Major shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean fell 0.93 percent, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution increased 0.13 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,430.35 won against the dollar at 9:15 a.m., up 0.05 won from the previous session.