South Korean stocks rose 0.83 percent on Tuesday as investor sentiment got a boost from upbeat China and U.S. economic data as well as overnight gains on Wall Street, analysts said. The local currency gained against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index climbed 15.95 points to 1,941.54. Trading volume was moderate at 516.9 million shares worth 3.64 trillion won ($3.29 billion), with gainers outnumbering decliners 470 to 340.

“It was mostly external factors, such as slowing global growth and eurozone issues, which were denting investor sentiment.

However, signs of improvement in these issues gave a boost to investor sentiment,” said Kim Young-jun, an analyst at SK Securities Co.

Data showed that consumer spending in the world’s largest economy is picking up and that China’s exports gained a higher-than-expected 9.9 percent in September from a year ago.

“The KOSPI is already quite at a low level, which is optimal for bargain hunting,” said Kim.

Large caps gathered ground across the board, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics adding 2.31 percent to 1,330,000 won.

Other tech shares closed bullish. No. 2 display maker LG Display jumped 4.81 percent to 28,350 won and No. 2 memory chip maker SK hynix rose 2.7 percent to 22,850 won.

Autos also closed higher, with Hyundai Motor gaining 0.89 percent to 227,500 won on foreign buying. (Yonhap News)