Seoul stocks open sharply lower on renewed Mideast tensions

South Korean stocks opened sharply lower on Friday on increased risk-off sentiment following renewed concerns over tensions in the Middle East. After opening 2.93 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 204 points, or 3.74 percent, to 5,256.46 in the first 20 minutes of trading. Overnight, US markets suffered a sharp drop, as US President Donald Trump gave mixed signals about where Washington stands in its negotiations with Iran. Trump warned Iranian negotiators on Th