Seoul stocks open steeply lower on FOMC results, Russia-Ukraine risk
SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened steeply lower Thursday as investors digest the U.S. central bank's policy meeting results and the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) retreated 26.94 points, or 0.99 percent, to 2,682.3 points as of 9:18 a.m.
Stocks came off to a weak start after the U.S. Federal Reserve chief signaled rate hikes in March.
The escalating Russia-Ukraine political tensions also sapped the investor appetite for risky assets.
Overnight, the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite inched up 0.02 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 0.38 percent.
In Seoul, market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.55 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 0.85 percent.
Internet portal operator Naver declined 0.8 percent, and leading carmaker Hyundai Motor decreased 1.05 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,202.95 won against the U.S. dollar, down 5.25 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Thailand seeks extradition of S. Korean suspect in Pattaya murder
-
Paik Kun-woo's 1st Mozart album: a return to musical roots
-
N. Korea's Kim, daughter attend ceremony for new street in Pyongyang
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea says it test-fired tactical ballistic missile with new guidance technology
-
N. Korea slams U.N. members' sanctions enforcement as 'provocations'
-
Paik Kun-woo's 1st Mozart album: a return to musical roots
-
Yoon's office vows to firmly respond to unfair treatment of S. Korean companies amid Japan's pressure on Naver
-
N.K leader visits newly built ruling party training school
-
N. Korea slams U.N. members' sanctions enforcement as 'provocations'
-
S. Korea, Malaysia discuss arms industry cooperation in Kuala Lumpur
-
(Yonhap Feature) S. Korean women scramble for 'safe breakup' after series of femicides by ex-boyfriends
-
NewJeans members submit petitions over court injunction in Hybe-ADOR conflict
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea says it test-fired tactical ballistic missile with new guidance technology
-
Top U.S. negotiator for defense cost sharing talks arrives in Seoul
-
U.S. military commander in S. Korea during Gwangju uprising dies