Shares Open Weaker on Construction Losses

South Korean stocks opened weaker Monday, weighed down by losses in construction and financial shares, analysts said.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 12.76 points, or 0.72 percent, to 1,758.22 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Builders led the overall losses with industry leader Daewoo Engineering & Construction and its smaller rival Hyundai Engineering & Construction both starting lower. Financial issues

were also in negative territory. Top lender Kookmin Bank and No. 1 brokerage Samsung Securities lost ground.

Transportation shares, however, gained ground, with top automaker Hyundai Motor opening stronger.