Seoul shares open lower on bank, builder losses

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks started lower Monday as investors
unloaded banks and construction firms amid lingering jitters over economic and
financial instability, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 4.22 points, or 0.3
percent, to 1,424.37 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Major shares traded mixed with banks and construction companies weighing on the
market. Auto and machinery shares, however, started stronger.
The local currency was trading at 1,257.5 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m.,
down 3.6 won from Friday's close.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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