Stocks start lower on losses in techs, autos

The local stock market began on a lower note on Friday on losses in technology firms and carmakers, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 6.04 points, or 0.31 percent, to 1,971.93 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Builders traded lower, with Daewoo Engineering & Construction falling 0.76 percent and Daelim Industrial losing 0.75 percent. GS Engineering & Construction shed 1.4 percent.

Carmakers lost ground, with No. 1 Hyundai Motor falling 0.2 percent and its auto parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis edging down 0.32 percent. Kia Motors lost 1.34 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,069.15 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 2.35 won from Thursday's close.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)