South Korea’s stock market falls in early trading and extends losses later Monday, with technology stocks driving the decline. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) opens lower and slips further as investors weigh pressure from higher energy prices and uncertainty tied to the Middle East.
Both outlets link the market weakness to rising oil prices amid escalating regional tensions. They cite renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s main airport over the weekend, raising concerns that a broader conflict could disrupt energy supplies and worsen inflation. That, in turn, could increase pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. Although Wall Street posts gains on Friday, Seoul’s losses persist.
Coverage also differs slightly on timing and magnitude: Korea Times reports the KOSPI falling about 2.28% to 6,474.95 by 9:15 a.m. in the later-session update, after a lower open, while Yonhap’s reports emphasize the same drivers as the opening move. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are cited among the decliners, along with other market sectors affected by the risk outlook.
