Seoul shares open sharply lower on tech losses amid Middle East tensions

Seoul shares opened sharply lower as investors took profits in technology stocks amid concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. After opening 4.45 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index extended losses, trading 383.87 points, or 5.27 percent, down 6,900.54 as of 9:15 a.m. The Korea Exchange, the country's bourse operator, activated a sell-side sidecar for the Kospi for 20 minutes at around 9:10 a.m. after the benchmark index fell more than 5 percent. On Wedne