SEOUL: South Korean stocks opened slightly lower on Friday as large cap shares traded mixed amid a dearth of market momentum, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 0.15 points, or 0.01 percent, to 2,018.88 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Major issues started mixed, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics starting in negative terrain. Cosmetics maker AmorePacific and steel giant POSCO both traded lower.
Car issues gained ground, with Hyundai Motor and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors getting off to a strong start.
The local currency was trading at 1,170.20 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 1.8 won from Thursday’s close.
