Seoul shares open lower on U.S. losses

South Korean stocks started lower on Thursday, tracking overnight losses in the U.S. stock market, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) slipped 0.98 points, or 0.05 percent, to 1,963.45 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Financials led the loss with KB Financial and Shinhan Financial falling 2.89 percent and 2.98 percent, respectively.

Samsung Electronics, the country's top market cap, also lost 0.14 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,087.25 won against the greenback as of 9:15 a.m., down 1.75 won from Wednesday's close. (Yonhap News)