Seoul stocks open lower on bank, steel losses

SEOUL, April 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks got off to a weak start Monday as
investors unloaded banks and steel issues to lock in profits following recent
rallies, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 11.77 points, or
0.89 percent, to 1,317.23 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Most shares traded in negative territory, with banks and steel makers including
POSCO losing ground.
The local currency was trading at 1,338.25 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15
a.m., down 6.25 won from Friday's close.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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