Why did Seoul shares open lower on Thursday as oil prices rose?

The market was pressured by surging oil prices caused by intensifying Middle East tensions, which fueled inflation concerns ahead of key U.S. inflation data. The weaker Wall Street close overnight also added to the negative tone.

Which major stocks moved after the KOSPI opened lower in Seoul?

Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDI, Korea Electric Power Corp. and S-Oil traded lower in early Seoul business. SK hynix and Hyundai Motor moved higher, helping offset some of the losses.

How did U.S. markets and the won move alongside Seoul shares?

U.S. stocks ended lower overnight, with the Dow down 0.77 percent and the Nasdaq down 0.64 percent. The Korean won was trading at 1,338.90 won per dollar, which was 1.7 won stronger than the previous stock session close.

Seoul shares open lower amid escalating Mideast tensions, rising oil prices

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Summary

Seoul shares opened lower Thursday as rising oil prices and Middle East tensions weighed on the market. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 0.29 percent to 7,031.53 at 9:15 a.m. after opening 0.18 percent lower. Wall Street also closed lower overnight, while inflation worries lifted expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve could raise rates. Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDI, Korea Electric Power Corp. and S-Oil fell, while SK hynix and Hyundai Motor rose.

Key Facts

The KOSPI was down 20.11 points, or 0.29 percent, at 7,031.53 as of 9:15 a.m. after opening 0.18 percent lower.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.77 percent and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.64 percent overnight.
The Korean won traded at 1,338.90 won against the U.S. dollar at 9:15 a.m., up 1.7 won from the previous session close.
Samsung Electronics fell 0.74 percent, Samsung SDI dropped 1.05 percent, Korea Electric Power Corp. lost 1.93 percent and S-Oil shed 1.02 percent.
SK hynix rose 0.05 percent and Hyundai Motor climbed 0.52 percent among gainers.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 10, 2026 9:36 am KST

A screen at the dealing room of Hana Bank’s headquarters in Seoul shows the exchange rate, the KOSPI and Kosdaq indices, Thursday. Yonhap

Seoul shares opened lower Thursday, tracking Wall Street losses, as surging oil prices caused by intensifying tensions in the Middle East fueled inflation concerns ahead of key U.S. inflation data.

After opening 0.18 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) extended losses, trading down 20.11 points, or 0.29 percent, to 7,031.53 as of 9:15 a.m.

Overnight, U.S. stocks ended lower amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.77 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.64 percent.

Rising oil prices are fueling concerns about inflation and the possibility of the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates to contain price gains.

In Seoul, large-cap stocks were mixed.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 0.74 percent, battery maker Samsung SDI declined 1.05 percent.

State-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp. dropped 1.93 percent and S-Oil shed 1.02 percent.

Among gainers, Samsung Electronics' chipmaking rival SK hynix rose 0.05 percent and top carmaker Hyundai Motor climbed 0.52 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,338.90 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 1.7 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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