South Korean stocks closed slightly higher on Tuesday as investors adopted a cautious approach ahead of the release of US inflation data, which is expected to influence the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. The Korean won weakened against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose by 0.11 percent to 2,730.34, with trading volume relatively low at 436.6 million shares valued at 9.3 trillion won ($6.79 billion). Foreign investors and institutions were net buyers of local shares, while individuals were net sellers. Investors are eagerly anticipating the US consumer price index data, which is likely to shape the Fed's future interest rate policy. Additionally, they are closely monitoring significant developments such as trade tensions between the US and China and economic stimulus measures in China. Market heavyweights traded with mixed results, with Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor experiencing slight fluctuations in their stock prices. The local currency closed at 1,369.1 won against the US dollar, representing a decrease of 0.9 won from the previous session. Bond prices closed with mixed movements, as the yield on three-year Treasurys increased slightly while the return on the benchmark five-year government bonds decreased.