Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Stronger economic growth reduces expectations for BOK rate cuts

Korea’s stronger-than-expected economic growth is rapidly reshaping the monetary policy outlook, as fading slowdown fears and persistent inflation dampen expectations for rate cuts and push the BOK closer to a potential rate hike cycle.

2026-04-26

BOK holds benchmark rate at 2.5 percent in first monetary meeting since Iran war

The Bank of Korea (BOK) maintained the benchmark interest rate at 2.50 percent per year following a rate-setting meeting on Friday.

2026-04-10

'Hawkish' Shin's BOK nomination raising expectations of tighter monetary policy

A leadership change at the Bank of Korea (BOK) is raising expectations of a shift toward tighter monetary policy under nominee Shin Hyun-song.

2026-03-23

Korea's central bank stuck between growth and inflation, as other countries face similar challenges

The Iran war has driven global oil prices to the $100 level for the first time in four years, making operations for major central banks worldwide much more difficult.

2026-03-20

Kospi opens sharply lower on escalating Middle East crisis, U.S. rate freeze

Shares kicked off sharply lower Thursday after the Middle East's critical energy facilities were attacked during the United States and Israel-led war against Iran, and the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to keep its interest rates unchanged.

2026-03-19

Fed holds key rate steady, projects 1 rate cut this year amid Iran war uncertainty

The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its benchmark interest rate steady for the second consecutive time and maintained its forecast of one rate cut this year, as concerns grew over the economic impact of the ongoing Iran war.

2026-03-19

BOK raises growth forecast to 2% while holding rate steady

The Bank of Korea on Thursday raised its growth forecast for this year from 1.8 percent to 2 percent, citing robust semiconductor exports, while keeping the benchmark interest rate unchanged for the sixth consecutive meeting.

2026-02-26

BOK maintains benchmark interest rate amid economic uncertainty

The Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50 percent on Thursday. The bank’s monetary policy board held a rate-setting meeting on Thursday morning and announced it would freeze the benchmark rate.

2026-02-26

BOK likely to keep benchmark rate untouched for sixth straight freeze

The Bank of Korea (BOK) is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5 percent at the Monetary Policy Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, which would mark a sixth consecutive rate freeze.

2026-02-20

Kevin Warsh's nomination strengthens case for extended rate hold in Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump’s choice of Kevin Warsh as his nominee for the next U.S. Federal Reserve chair is reinforcing expectations of an extended interest rate hold in Korea.

2026-02-01