SEOUL: South Korean stocks started lower on Wednesday, with downward pressure from losses in chemical and construction firms, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) slipped 2.48 points, or 0.12 percent, to 1,984.17 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Chemical firms led the decline, as cosmetics maker Amore Pacific tumbled 2.62 percent and LG Chem surrendered 2.25 percent.
Builders also began weaker, with Hyundai Engineering & Construction losing 1.21 percent and GE Engineering & Construction falling 1.08 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,182.10 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 3 won from Tuesday’s close.
