Seoul shares open sharply lower on U.S. losses, inflation concerns

What happened: Seoul shares opened sharply lower as losses in U.S. technology stocks weighed on investor sentiment ahead of major earnings reports and U.S. inflation data. Key numbers: KOSPI fell 198.16 points, or 3.1 percent, to 6,186.08 at the opening bell. Dow Jones rose 0.38 percent; Nasdaq Composite fell 0.44 percent. Why it matters: Investors are awaiting the U.S. consumer price index report due Wednesday, which could offer clues about the Federal Reserve's policy outlook ahead of its October rate-setting meeting.

Seoul shares opened sharply lower as losses in U.S. technology stocks weighed on investor sentiment ahead of major earnings reports and U.S. inflation data.

Investors are awaiting the U.S. consumer price index report due Wednesday, which could offer clues about the Federal Reserve's policy outlook ahead of its October rate-setting meeting.