Korea's benchmark KOSPI reversed early gains to close lower Tuesday, as escalating geopolitical and trade tensions dampened investor sentiment. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,954.52, down 0.58 percent from the previous session. The index opened 0.72 percent higher and climbed above the 7,170 level in intraday trading, but plunged more than 120 points in the afternoon and gave up its earlier gains. Foreign and institutional investors net purchased 64.49 billion won and 64.96 billion won worth of shares, respectively, while retail investors dragged down the index by dumping a net 3.05 trillion won. SK hynix rose 0.56 percent to close at 1,793,000 won, while Samsung Electronics lost 0.19 percent to finish at 269,500 won. With U.S. markets closed, the KOSPI initially maintained its upward momentum from the previous session. However, sentiment weakened amid tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as reports of an attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities pushed crude oil prices higher. Escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada also weighed on sentiment. U.S. President Donald Trump threat