Seoul shares extend falls

Seoul shares fell for a second day in a row on Tuesday as investors took profit after a sharp rally late last week, and before a key German ruling on the euro zone's bailout funds and a US Federal Reserve meeting this week. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished down 0.24 percent at 1,920.00 points. The benchmark had rallied sharply on Friday on the European Central Bank's new bond-buying plan.
A net 184.2 billion Korean won ($163.10 million) of shares were offloaded via computer-based programme selling on Tuesday. South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor fell 0.6 percent, while affiliate Kia Motors slipped 0.3 percent. LG Electronics edged up 0.3 percent. Financials were among the worst performers, with Hana Financial Group losing 1.6 percent, and Shinhan Financial Group falling 1.7 percent.