▲ Financial data is shown in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul during morning trading hours on Oct. 8, 2026. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- Seoul shares closed lower Thursday to extend their losses for a third consecutive session, as elevated oil prices stoked inflation worries. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.

After opening 0.07 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) turned lower to close down 177.97 points, or 2.62 percent, at 6,625.93.

This comes as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.66 percent overnight, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.22 percent.

Institutions and foreigners sold a net 1.67 trillion won (US$1.24 billion) and 1.99 trillion won worth of stocks, respectively, while individuals bought a net 2.9 billion won.

Investors seemed wary as higher oil prices are adding to inflationary pressures, and the U.S. Federal Reserve has signaled it may need to raise rates this year to tame inflation.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,338.5 won against the U.S. dollar as of 3:30 p.m.,compared to 1,340.4 won from the previous stock trading session's close.

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