South Korean stocks opened significantly lower on Tuesday, reflecting dampened investor sentiment following reports of US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), the benchmark for the South Korean stock market, fell by 78.98 points, a 1.26 percent decrease, to reach 6,165.15 at the 9 a.m. opening. This marked the first trading session after the reported US-led attacks on Iran.
The KOSPI’s decline continued, reaching 6,100.61 by 9:13 a.m.
Reports indicate that the United States and Israel carried out coordinated attacks in Iran over the weekend, resulting in the death of Tehran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of an extended operation.
In Seoul, the majority of stocks began trading in negative territory.
Shares of semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics experienced a decline of 3.93 percent, while its competitor, SK hynix, decreased by 3.68 percent.
Leading automaker Hyundai Motor saw a loss of 04.75 percent, and prominent battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution fell by 4.1 percent.
