Seoul stocks open lower on U.S. jobs data

SEOUL, Aug. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened lower Monday as an estimate-beating improvement in U.S. jobs data increased concerns about an early tapering.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 15.98 points, or 0.49 percent, to 3,254.38 points in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Investor sentiment weakened as U.S. jobs data in July logged a steeper hike than the market consensus, fueling investor worries that the U.S. Fed may pivot from its dovish stance and consider accelerating its timeline for rolling back its accommodative policies.

Most large caps got off to a lackluster start, while bank and financial shares advanced.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.61 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix moved down 1.27 percent.

Internet portal operator Naver slipped 0.11 percent, and giant pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics shed 0.87 percent.

Kakao Bank, the online-bank unit of mobile messenger app Kakao Talk, surged 13.04 percent on its second day of trading. Top automaker Hyundai Motor declined 1.12 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,147.25 won against the U.S. dollar, down 5.15 won from the previous session's close.

jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)