SEOUL: South Korean stocks opened nearly flat Thursday in an atmosphere of caution heading into the upcoming U.S. rate-setting meeting.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 0.77 point, or 0.04 percent, to 1,947.47 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Bank shares traded in negative territory, with Hana Financial Group falling 0.42 percent and KB Financial Group dropping 0.29 percent.
LG Electronics slipped 1.99 percent, and LG Display, its flat panel making unit, retreated 0.91 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,177.75 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 1.55 won from Wednesday’s close.
