Korean stocks started weaker Monday as large cap issues lost ground.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 3.48 points, or 0.18 percent, to 1,973.23 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Traders monitor share prices at a local bank. (Yonhap)
Analysts said investor sentiment might be affected by weaker-than-expected trade data announced by China over the weekend.
Auto shares such as Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors started lower. Steelmaking giant POSCO also lost 1.6 percent.
The Korean market did not open on Thursday and Friday last week for a holiday.
(khnews@heraldcorp.com)