South Korean stocks rose 0.15 percent on Wednesday as the Japanese central bank surprised the market with an asset purchase program to prevent a further slowdown, analysts said. The local currency gathered ground against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index climbed 2.92 points to 2,007.88. Trading volume was heavy at 946.1 million shares worth 5.72 trillion won ($5.12 billion) with gainers outstripping losers 491 to 320.

“Expectations for upward momentum revved up again as soon as the Bank of Japan announced the easing measure, which gave relief to investors hoping to see more liquidity come in,” said Park Sung-hoon, an analyst at Woori Investment & Securities Co. (Yonhap News)