Early Thursday in Asia, the Bank of Korea (BoK) held its benchmark interest rates unchanged at 3.5% while matching the market forecasts.
That said, the BoK also kept the forecasts for the 2023 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and inflation unchanged at 1.4% and 3.5% respectively.
Even so, the South Korean central bank managed to propel the USD/KRW prices to the lowest level in two weeks, down 0.10% intraday near 1,326 at the latest.
It’s worth noting that the BoK has been keeping the benchmark interest rates unchanged since February.
The broad US Dollar weakness, as well as cautious mood ahead of the top-tier US data and a two-day-long annual Jackson Hole Symposium, seems to weigh on the USD/KEW price of late.
BoK statements
After keeping the benchmark rates unchanged for the fourth time in a row, the Bank of Korea flags expectations of witnessing improvement in the domestic growth and a slight uptick in inflation than expected in May.
The BoK raised concerns about the Chinese economy’s uncertain conditions and an increase in housing prices at home.
Further, the BoK cites easing fears about the non-banking financial sector while showing readiness to keep restrictive policy stance for considerable time.
About BoK Interest Rate Decision
The BoK Interest Rate Decision is announced by the Bank of Korea. If the bank is hawkish about the inflationary outlook of the economy and rises the interest rates, it is seen as positive, or bullish, for the KRW, while a dovish outlook for the economy (or a rate cut) is seen as negative, or bearish, for the currency.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
USD/JPY jumps above 154 after a hawkish Fed and ahead of BoJ
The USD/JPY pair is trading well above the 154.00 mark after the US Federal Reserve delivered a hawkish 25 bps rate cut. The Bank of Japan is expected to remain on hold, although a rate hike can't be ruled out.
EUR/USD nears year low amid a hawkish Federal Reserve
EUR/USD accelerated its slump after the Federal Reserve trimmed interest rates as expected but also released a dot-plot showing lesser interest rate cuts in 2025. The "hawkish cut" boosts demand for the US Dollar.
Gold nears $2,600 after Fed's decision
Gold fell towards $2,600 and trades nearby as the Federal Reserve's hawkish cut sent investors into safety. Demand for the US Dollar outpaces that of the bright metal as US, officials foresee fewer interest rate cuts in 2025.
Bank of Japan set to hold interest rates steady as rising inflation hints at early-year hike
After concluding its two-day monetary policy review on Thursday, the Bank of Japan is expected to hold the short-term interest rate at 0.25%. The BoJ policy announcements will likely provide fresh cues on the central bank’s rate hike outlook, injecting intense volatility in the Japanese Yen.
Sticky UK services inflation to come lower in 2025
Services inflation is stuck at 5% and will stay around there for the next few months. But further progress, helped by more benign annual rises in index-linked prices in April, should see ‘core services’ inflation fall materially in the spring.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.