Seoul stocks fell sharply Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed threat of strikes against Iran rattled investor sentiment and pushed up global oil prices. The Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 244.65 points, or 4.47 percent, to 5,234.05.
Trade volume was a bit heavy at 1.42 billion shares worth 32.95 trillion won (US$21.72 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 814 to 90.
Institutional and foreign investors sold a net 1.45 trillion won and 136.43 billion won worth of shares, respectively, while individuals purchased a net 1.21 trillion won.
The index opened more than 1 percent higher, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, amid hopes for an end to the monthlong war in the Middle East, which began in late February following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
