South Korean stocks began higher Monday as positive economic data from South Korea and China offset nagging concerns over the U.S. budget impasse, analysts said.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 0.44 percent, or 8.53 points, to 1,941.43 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
South Korea's trade surplus widened in November from a month earlier, while China saw its manufacturing purchasing managers' index data rise to a 7-month high.
Key exporters led the gain, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics adding 0.71 percent and top automaker Hyundai Motor rising 1.77 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,083.4 won to the greenback as of 9:15 a.m., down 0.5 won from Friday's close. (Yonhap News)
