South Korean stocks finished 0.25 percent lower on Tuesday as weak U.S. manufacturing data added onto investor concerns over budget issues in the world’s largest economy, analysts said. The local currency slipped against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 4.84 points to 1,935.18. Trading volume was light at 280.7 million shares worth 2.8 trillion won ($2.6 billion), with decliners outnumbering gainers 429 to 366.

“Investors were disappointed with the weaker-than-expected manufacturing report, especially at a time when U.S. fiscal concerns are lingering,” said Park Ok-hee, an analyst at IBK Securities Co.

“But we’ve seen some positive signs such as the U.S. housing data and South Korea’s trade surplus. These factors will buttress the main index from steep falls.”

Large caps mostly ended bearish. Top automaker Hyundai Motor slipped 0.22 percent to 228,000 won despite logging a 9.1 percent on-year increase in U.S. sales last month.

POSCO slumped 1.85 percent to 318,500 won following reports the steelmaker has been selected as a preferred bidder for a 15 percent stake in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada.

In contrast, mobile carriers ended higher ahead of their official release of Apple Inc.’s iPhone 5 later this week. Top player SK Telecom rose 0.99 percent to 153,000 won and KT added 0.79 percent to 38,500 won.

Hyundai Elevator, the de facto holding company of Hyundai Group, soared 14.99 percent to 100,500 won amid a management control feud with German stakeholder Schindler.

The local currency ended at 1,083.4 won against the greenback, down 0.3 won from Monday’s close, as U.S. issues stoked appetite for safer assets, dealers said. (Yonhap News)