South Korean stocks got off to a strong start Thursday, tracking overnight gains in global markets, on upbeat economic data and waning concern over Europe's financial health, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 23.74 points, or 1.43 percent, to 1,686.77 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Major blue chips opened higher across the board, with financial and auto shares leading the gains.
U.S and European shares soared on news that U.S. exports rose in March to the highest level since 2008 and that Spain has announced an austerity plan. The Dow Jones industrial average added 1.38 percent and the tech-laden Nasdaq gained 2.09 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,131.95 won to the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 11.85 won from Wednesday's close.//Yonhap
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