(LEAD) Seoul shares dip over 1.5 pct as U.S. inflation data signals more aggressive rate hikes

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom)

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks fell more than 1.5 percent Wednesday, as the hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data fueled concerns over the Federal Reserve's looming sharp rate hikes. The local currency fell sharply against the U.S. dollar.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) retreated 38.12 points, or 1.56 percent, to close at 2,411.42. Trading volume was moderate at 454 million shares worth 7.53 trillion won (US$5.41 billion) with decliners outnumbering gainers 721 to 167.

"The stronger-than-expected U.S. consumer price index dispelled the possibility of the Fed's pivot the market had hoped for," Cho Yeon-joo, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities Co., said.

"Rather, fears of recession from policy failure have grown, as the Fed's tightening policy has proved ineffective in curbing the inflation," Cho said.

Foreigners sold off about a net 163 billion won worth of local equities, with institutions also opting to unload around a net 240 billion won. Individuals were net buyers of nearly 390 billion won.

Wall Street suffered the biggest fall in two years Tuesday (local time) after the U.S. Labor Department said the August consumer price index (CPI) slowed to an 8.3 percent on-year gain, higher than the consensus of an 8.1 percent increase.

The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 6.3 percent from a year earlier, topping the forecast of a 6.1 percent on-year gain.

The stronger than expected inflation data dented expectations that the Fed might scale back on its aggressive monetary tightening.

Analysts are certain the Fed will go with a third consecutive three-quarter percentage point hike at the end of the two-day monetary policy meeting starting Tuesday. Some have even bet on a full percentage-point hike.

Seoul shares lost ground across the board, led by tech giant Samsung Electronics, which dipped 2.24 percent to 56,800 won, and top automaker Hyundai Motor, which dropped 1 percent to 198,500 won.

Among the biggest decliners were internet portal operator Naver, slumping 3.56 percent to 230,000 won, and biopharmaceutical bluechip Celltrion, which tumbled 3.49 percent to 180,000 won.

Battery makers, on the contrary, finished higher. LG Energy Solution rose 0.3 percent to 498,500 won, and Samsung SDI gained 1.99 percent to 614,000 won.

Battery components maker POSCO Chemical jumped 3.34 percent to 185,500 won.

The local currency ended sharply lower at 1,390.90 won against the U.S. dollar, down 17.3 won from Tuesday's close, breaching the 1,390 mark for the first time in more than 13 years.

Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 4.9 basis points to 3.585 percent and the return on the benchmark five-year government bonds gained 2.3 basis points to 3.619 percent.

elly@yna.co.kr
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