South Korean shares extended their losing streak to six sessions Tuesday as investors took a cautious approach ahead of key U.S. inflation data that would affect the upcoming rate-setting meeting. The local currency traded lower against the U.S. greenback.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 12.5 points, or 0.49 percent, to close at 2,523.43. The main index has continued its bearish mode since Sept. 3.

Trading volume was light at 341.2 million shares worth 8.3 trillion won (US$6.2 billion), with decliners beating gainers 531 to 342.

Foreigners and institutions led the decline, selling a net 662.9 billion won and 62.3 billion won, respectively. Individual investors purchased a net 684.7 billion won.

Overnight, Wall Street’s three major indices finished steeply higher as investors sought bargains after the previous week’s sell-off while awaiting inflation reports on Wednesday and the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week.

Source: Yonhap News Agency