The South Korean stock market is trading firm on Thursday with investors picking up stocks across the board on the back of a strong close on Wall Street overnight.

Asian stock markets rose in early trading Thursday, lifted by an overnight rally on Wall Street as investors took heart from a robust profit forecast from U.S. bank State Street.

Bajaj Auto Ltd., Indias second- largest motorcycle maker, plans to win 70 percent of sales from overseas markets, challenging Honda Motor Co. in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Stocks rallied on Wednesday, rebounding from recent losses, as a bullish earnings forecast from State Street Corp fueled optimism about the upcoming earnings season.

Oil prices climbed above $73 a barrel on Wednesday, as crude followed the stock market higher on encouraging earnings news.