Seoul shares open lower on U.S. Fed disappointment

South Korean stocks opened lower Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve failed to unveil any new economic stimulus programs but instead predicted slower growth for the world's largest economy this year, analysts said.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 0.30 percent, or 5.68 points, to 1,898.44 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.20 percent, with top automaker Hyundai Motor also giving up 0.20 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,151.95 won to the greenback as of 9:15 a.m., down 0.95 won from Wednesday's close. (Yonhap News)