SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- Seoul stocks opened sharply lower Thursday, as concerns over the sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) and hotter-than-expected inflation in the United States dampened investor sentiment.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) opened down 335.8 points, or 5.59 percent, to 5,673.01.
Seoul stocks have continued their losing streak for the past six consecutive sessions.
Major stock indexes on Wall Street closed lower overnight amid growing inflation concerns and skepticism over whether the AI boom could live up to investors' expectations.
The S&P 500 shed 1.11 percent, and the tech heavy Nasdaq dipped 1.88 percent.
The U.S. Consumer Price Index rose 0.6 percent in September from a month earlier, bringing the annual rate of inflation to 3.7 percent, above economics' expectations for a 3.6 percent increase.
Also, investors still remained skeptical about whether AI investment could generate expected returns.
Financial data is displayed on a screen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul on Oct. 14, 2026, after the market close. (Yonhap)
fairydust@yna.co.kr
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