Seoul stocks open weaker on China concerns

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks got off to a weak start Thursday
on renewed concerns over the health of the U.S. economy triggered by efforts in
China to cool its market, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dropped 14.02 points, or
0.82 percent, to 1,700.36 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Following a 6.7 percent fall in China's stock market Monday, U.S. stocks fell
with the Dow Jones industrial average dipping 0.5 percent.
Concerns have mounted over China's efforts to keep its economy under control,
which could dent a global recovery. The Chinese government was reported to have
ordered several local banks to stop lending for the rest of January after
exceeding their credit limits.
The local currency was trading at 1,141.80 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15
a.m., down 3.50 won from Wednesday's close.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
(END)