SEOUL: South Korean stocks began weaker on Thursday, pulled down by losses in large-cap shares, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) slipped 2.6 points, or 0.13 percent, to 1,972.87 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics began in negative turf, dropping 0.43 percent, and mobile carrier SK Telecom also moved down 1.19 percent.
Autos started bearish as well, with industry leader Hyundai Motor stepping down 0.68 percent and its corporate cousin Kia Motors falling 0.11 percent. Car parts maker Hyundai Mobis also withdrew 1.65 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,176.60 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 14.20 won from Wednesday’s close.
