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☆ 'Chaotic era' for Asian currencies: Bank of America is not bullish on any of them
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The onshore CNY is currently trading at 7.24 per U.S. dollar. The South Korean won recently slipped to an 18-month low of 1,389.5 against the dollar. The Bank of Korea chief called the won volatility "excessive" and said the central bank would intervene if needed. Taiwan dollarBofA also remains negative on the Taiwan dollar given strong equity outflows and life insurance companies' additional unwinding of non-deliverable forward hedges. The Taiwan dollar is currently trading at 32.6 per U.S. dollar.

Persons: SeongJoon Cho Organizations: Korean, Woori, Bloomberg, Getty, U.S, South Korean, Fed, Bank of Korea, U.S ., Taiwan Locations: Seoul, South Korea

☆ Japan and South Korea could coordinate currency intervention, but they may need U.S. support
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

SeongJoon Cho | Bloomberg via Getty ImagesInvestors have been monitoring for potential intervention in the Japanese yen, but recent comments have triggered discussion about "coordinated intervention" with South Korea. The currency has struggled, slipping past 150, since the Bank of Japan raised rates in March. Following that volatility, the U.S. last week acknowledged Japan and South Korea's "serious concerns" over the recent sharp depreciation in their currencies. The comments spurred chatter about possible coordinated currency intervention. Brady said South Korea and Japan could amplify their individual messages to the market by coordinating policy, which might also enhance the short-term impact compared to unilateral action.

Persons: SeongJoon Cho, James Brady, Brady Organizations: Korean, Woori, Bloomberg, Getty, U.S ., Bank of, South Korean, greenback, Authorities, Treasury, Bank of Japan Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Bank of Japan, U.S, Japan, South, Tokyo, Bank of Korea

☆ Bank of Korea chief: We're not cutting rates yet as headline inflation is 'quite sticky'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBank of Korea chief: We're not cutting rates yet as headline inflation is 'quite sticky'Rhee Chang-yong, governor of the Bank of Korea, says "our problem is that unlike U.S. and Europe, our headline inflation is higher than core inflation."

Persons: We're, Rhee Chang Organizations: Email Bank of Korea, Bank of Locations: Bank of Korea, Europe

☆ Bank of Korea chief says won volatility is a little 'excessive' and will intervene if needed
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Bank of Korea will intervene to control currency volatility if needed, the central bank's chief told CNBC, describing the recent market fluctuations as a little "excessive." Central bank governor Rhee Chang-yong said external factors are fueling the Korean won 's movement. Rhee attributed the won's weakness to the strength of the U.S. dollar as well as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Weakness in other Asian currencies like the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan are also affecting the won, he added. The won strengthened on Wednesday to as high as 1,382.6 per dollar, up 1.26% after hitting a 17-month low and breaching a major threshold of 1,400 per dollar on Tuesday.

Persons: Rhee Chang, CNBC's Karen Tso, Rhee Organizations: Bank, CNBC, Korean, U.S Locations: Korea, Washington

☆ Asia markets mixed ahead of China trade data; Singapore first-quarter GDP climbs 2.7%
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Friday after an inflation-fueled selloff in the previous session, with investor assessing economic data from Singapore and South Korea while awaiting China trade numbers. China's trade data for March will be released later in the day, with exports forecast to fall 2.3% year on year by economists polled by Reuters. The city-state's central bank held its monetary policy steady, leaving the width and level of its policy band unchanged. In contrast to other countries, Singapore uses exchange rate settings for its monetary policy, instead of a benchmark interest rate. South Korea's March unemployment rate rose to 2.8%, while investors awaited the Bank of Korea's rate decision.

Persons: Singapore's Organizations: Reuters, Bank of Locations: Qingdao, Shandong province, Asia, Pacific, Singapore, South Korea, China

☆ South Korea's inflation is 'mostly driven by the supply side,' StanChart says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSouth Korea's inflation is 'mostly driven by the supply side,' StanChart saysChong Hoon Park, head of Korea economic research at Standard Chartered Bank, discusses the Bank of Korea's decision to hold interest rates.

Persons: StanChart, Chong Organizations: Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of Locations: Korea

☆ Natixis economist discusses South Korea trade data, says growth is not a challenge this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailNatixis economist discusses South Korea trade data, says growth is not a challenge this yearTrinh Nguyen, senior economist at Natixis, discusses South Korea's trade data and the outlook for its monetary policy, saying the Bank of Korea is "very, very, very sensitive to what's happening in financial markets" and it's too early for it to adopt a dovish tone.

Persons: Trinh Nguyen Organizations: South, Bank of Locations: South Korea, Bank of Korea

☆ Bank of Korea will be one of the first Asian central banks to cut rates, says Goldman Sachs
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBank of Korea will be one of the first Asian central banks to cut rates, says Goldman SachsGoohoon Kwon, senior Asia economist at Goldman Sachs, says that's partly because of "the ongoing disinflation trend."

Persons: Goldman Sachs Goohoon Kwon, Goldman Sachs Organizations: Email Bank Locations: Korea, Asia

☆ Asia-Pacific markets, Korea rate decision, Australia and Japan PMI
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets appeared set to trade mixed Thursday, with a slew of economic data from the region on tap, while investors also assess the U.S. Federal Reserve possibly delaying interest rate cuts. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 opened marginally higher, up 0.03%, as the nation's Judo Bank composite purchasing managers' index for February showed a return to growth, at 51.8. The monthly index is a leading indicator for business activity in Australia's manufacturing sector. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 16,447, pointing to a weaker start compared with the HSI's close of 16,503.1Japan's Nikkei 225 was set to rise as investors awaited the release of Japan's Jibun Bank flash purchasing managers' index. Nikkei futures contract in Chicago was at 38,745 and its counterpart in Osaka was at 38,410 against the index's last close of 38,262.16The Bank of Korea is slated to announce its interest rate decision later, with economists polled by Reuters expecting the bank to hold rates at 3.50%.

Organizations: U.S . Federal, nation's Judo Bank, Futures, Nikkei, Japan's, of, Reuters Locations: Asia, Pacific, Australia, Chicago, Osaka, of Korea

"With this (decision) Yoon is trying to make sure there is policy continuity in place ahead of election," said Park Sang-hyun, an economist at HI Investment & Securities. "Choi has been long-time finance ministry person and he basically spearheaded major economics policies of the Yoon administration from the very beginning so its a safe choice." Choi has a bachelor's degree from the Seoul National University law school, where Yoon also studied around the same time. Choi's career in government service has been mostly at the finance ministry, overseeing economic policy making, financial market policies, and external business relations. Yoon doesn’t need parliamentary approval to appoint a new finance minister, who also serves as deputy prime minister.

Persons: Yoon Suk, Choi Sang, mok, Choi, Choo, Yoon, Yoon's, Yoon doesn’t, Soo, hyang Choi, Ed Davies Organizations: HI Investment, Securities, Gallup, Bank of, Seoul National University, Thomson Locations: SEOUL, Gallup Korea, Daegu

A shopkeeper naps as she waits for customers at a traditional market in Seoul, South Korea, April 7, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSEOUL, Dec 5 (Reuters) - South Korea's inflation eased for the first time in four months in November, bringing relief to policymakers worried about persistent inflation risks as they plan to keep their restrictive monetary policy in place for longer. "Compared to core inflation in the U.S. and Europe that seem to be still in the 4% to 5% range, (South Korea's core inflation) seems to be far more stable," said Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho at a policy meeting in Seoul. "Considering this, we see inflation stabilizing in a steady manner going forward, unless we face some additional external shocks." The Bank of Korea kept interest rates steady at 3.50% last week at its final policy meeting of the year and signalled it may need to keep interest rates higher for longer to head off persistent inflation risks.

Persons: naps, Kim Hong, Choo Kyung, BOK, Jihoon Lee, Chris Reese, Lincoln Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Reuters Survey, Bank of, Thomson Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Rights SEOUL, U.S, Europe, Bank of Korea

☆ Goldman Sachs expects the Bank of Korea to start cutting interest rates before the Fed
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailGoldman Sachs expects the Bank of Korea to start cutting interest rates before the FedGoohoon Kwon of Goldman Sachs discusses the Bank of Korea's decision to hold interest rates at 3.5%. He expects a recovery in exports to prompt the BOK to start cutting rates ahead other Asian central banks.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Goohoon Kwon, BOK Organizations: Bank of Locations: Bank of Korea

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares retreated Monday as investors awaited updates on consumer spending and inflation in the U.S. and other nations. While analysts expect them to stand pat on policy, attention remains relatively high, given concerns about inflation. Wall Street ended last week mixed with a half-day trading session that capped a fourth straight winning week. The holiday shopping season kicked off with Black Friday amid concerns that spending may slow under pressure from dwindling savings, rising credit card debt and inflation. The major stock indexes’ latest weekly gains reflect a turnaround in the market’s sentiment in November following a three-month slide.

Persons: ” Yeap Jun Rong, Hong, Hang Seng, Brent, Yuri Kageyama Organizations: TOKYO, Nikkei, IG, Shanghai, Reserve Bank of New, Bank of Korea, Bank of, Black, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Nvidia, Google, CF Industries, Federal Reserve, Treasury, Benchmark, New York Mercantile Exchange, U.S Locations: U.S, China, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Bank of Thailand

An electronic board shows stock indexes at the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai, China, March 21, 2023. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 7 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets from Jamie McGeever, financial markets columnist. This is their best run in a year, powered by easing financial conditions in the form of lower U.S. bond yields and a weaker dollar, and renewed faith in the U.S. economic 'soft landing' scenario. Having under-performed global and developed market benchmarks last week, Asian stocks could be set to outperform this week. Skeptical foreign investors will need more than one month of slowing imports and exports decline though.

Persons: Aly, Jamie McGeever, Goldman Sachs, Deepa Babington Organizations: REUTERS, Bank of Korea, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Shanghai, China, U.S, India, Asia, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia

A man wearing a mask walks past the headquarters of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, in Beijing, China, February 3, 2020. The regional economic and policy events calendar this week is jammed with top-tier releases which are sure to give local assets strong steers, especially from China. China's economic surprises index turned positive three weeks ago but despite stronger-than-expected third quarter GDP growth, that momentum has faded. This week's 'data dump' will give a clearer picture of how the economy started the fourth quarter. Indonesia's quarter-on-quarter growth rate is expected to more than halve to 1.71% from 3.86%, according to a Reuters poll, and annual growth is expected to essentially hold steady just above 5%.

Persons: Jason Lee, Jamie McGeever, Josie Kao Organizations: People's Bank of China, REUTERS, Reserve Bank, Reuters, Bank of Korea, Bank of Japan, Nikkei, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Asia, U.S, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Indonesian, Japan

☆ South Korea economic growth to exceed potential rate in 2024, Yoon says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

President of South Korea Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks at the opening session of Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 24, 2023. South Korea's potential growth rate - the maximum economic growth that can be achieved without triggering inflationary pressure - is estimated to be around 2%, policymakers have said. In a Reuters survey conducted early this month, economic growth was forecast to slow to 1.2% in 2023 from 2.6% in 2022, followed by a recovery to 2.1% in 2024. The government in August unveiled its 2024 budget plan that included the smallest increase in two decades amid weakening tax revenue due to slower economic growth. He also pledged South Korea would maintain mutually beneficial cooperation with China, South Korea's largest trading partner.

Persons: South Korea Yoon Suk, Yoon Suk Yeol, Yoon, 1,348.7800, Jihoon Lee, Ed Davies Organizations: South, Saudi, Future Investment Initiative, Saudi Press Agency, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Gross, Bank of, Thomson Locations: South Korea, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Rights SEOUL, United States, Bank of Korea, Washington, China, South

☆ South Korea stocks slide, economy grows faster than expected
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

(Photo by Ed JONES / AFP) (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)Gross domestic product grew 0.6% in the July-September quarter from the prior quarter, according to data released by the Bank of Korea. The South Korean central bank will hold its next policy meeting in late November. South Korea stocks led declines among Asia-Pacific markets on Thursday, as investors parsed data that showed the economy grew at a slightly higher-than-expected pace in the third quarter. The S&P 500 closed below a key level on Wednesday after disappointing quarterly results from Google-parent Alphabet and a rebound in interest rates. The benchmark index fell 1.43% to close at 4,186.77, ending the day below the 4,200 level that was being widely watched by chart analysts.

Persons: Ed JONES, ED JONES, — CNBC's Brian Evans, Hakyung Kim Organizations: Getty, Bank of Korea, Google, Dow Jones, Nasdaq Locations: Seoul, AFP, Korean, South Korea, Asia, Pacific

SEOUL, Oct 26 (Reuters) - South Korea's economy fared better than expected in the third quarter with the expansion underpinned by exports, backing the case for the central bank to keep rates on hold for the months ahead. Government spending grew 0.1%, and construction investment expanded 2.2% after contracting 0.8% in the second quarter. On an annual basis, Asia's fourth-largest economy grew 1.4% in the third quarter, after a 0.9% gain in the second quarter and beating a 1.1% rise expected by economists. South Korea's central bank held interest rates steady for a sixth straight meeting last week, retaining a tightening bias on monetary policy as it warned of inflationary risks from the Israel-Hamas conflict and global oil prices. In a separate Reuters survey conducted early this month, South Korea's economic growth was forecast to slow to 1.2% in 2023 from 2.6% in 2022.

Persons: Ed Davies, Sam Holmes Organizations: Gross, Bank of, Thomson Locations: SEOUL, Bank of Korea, Korea's, Israel

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares tumbled in Asia on Thursday following a retreat on Wall Street after big U.S. companies delivered mixed profit reports and Treasury yields added pressure on stocks. Exports rose 4.3% while imports sank 16.3% in September and the trade balance swung to a surplus of 62.4 trillion yen ($410 billion). A big threat for the global economy is what oil prices will do to inflation. It rose 2.6% after reporting stronger profit than expected for the latest quarter as its revenue rose after it hiked prices. In other trading early Thursday, the dollar fell to 149.80 Japanese yen from 149.93 yen.

Persons: Australia's, Sensex, ” Yeap Jun Rong, IG, Brent, Morgan Stanley, Gold Organizations: Hamas, Nikkei, Bank of, New York Mercantile Exchange, Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Netflix, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Procter, Gamble, Treasury Department, Federal Reserve Locations: BANGKOK, Asia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Japan, Israel, Bank of Korea, Shanghai, Gaza, Tel Aviv, U.S

Oct 19 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets from Jamie McGeever, financial markets columnist. But the one-two combination of new multi-year highs for U.S. bond yields and a steep selloff on Wall Street looks set to deliver an early blow to Chinese and other markets across Asia on Thursday. As well as rising bond yields on Wednesday, Wall Street felt the heat from downbeat U.S. earnings. Stocks fell the most in two weeks, even though the message from Fed officials on the stump was that interest rate hikes are probably over. Here are key developments that could provide more direction to markets on Thursday:- South Korea interest rate decision- Indonesia interest rate decision- Several Fed officials speak, including Chair Jerome PowellBy Jamie McGeever; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jamie McGeever, Stocks, Jerome Powell, Josie Kao Organizations: Treasury, Will, Bank of Japan, Government Bond, Bank of Korea, Bank Indonesia, Thomson, Reuters Locations: U.S, Asia, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Korea

☆ Asia markets poised for weaker open as investors look ahead to China GDP, Japan inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

An employee works on the assembly line of LED lighting products in China. Asia-Pacific markets are set for a lower start to the week as investors look ahead to key economic data from China and Japan this week. Japan's September inflation data is expected on Friday, which will come ahead of the country's central bank's monetary policy meeting on Oct. 30 and 31. South Korea's central bank will also announce its rate decision on Thursday. The Bank of Korea has held rates steady for five meetings in a row at 3.5% since February.

Organizations: Reuters, Bank of Locations: China . Asia, Pacific, China, Japan, Korea's, Bank of Korea

☆ South Korea household debt growth slows in September
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A woman shops at a market in Seoul, South Korea, July 26, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsSEOUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) - South Korea's household borrowing grew in September for a sixth straight month, but by a smaller amount than the month before, central bank data showed on Thursday. Total household borrowing from banks stood at 1,079.8 trillion won ($806.12 billion) at the end of September, up 4.9 trillion won from end-August, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The rise was smaller than the 6.9 trillion won increase in August and it also marked the first slowdown in growth since household debt started to climb in April. ($1 = 1,339.5000 won)Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Subhranshu SahuOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Kim Hong, BOK, 1,339.5000, Jihoon Lee, Subhranshu Sahu Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Bank of Korea, Thomson Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Rights SEOUL

☆ The South Korean economy has been complacent because of China, central bank governor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe South Korean economy has been complacent because of China, central bank governor saysRhee Chang Yong, governor of the Bank of Korea, discusses South Korea's growth outlook and the country's need for structural reform.

Persons: Rhee Chang Yong Organizations: Bank of Korea Locations: China

☆ S.Korea's accelerating inflation set to keep policy restrictive for longer
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Jihoon Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Office workers pick up lunch boxes at a convenience store in Seoul, South Korea, June 24, 2022. REUTERS/ Heo Ran/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSEOUL, Oct 5 (Reuters) - South Korea's consumer inflation accelerated for a second month in September, above market expectations, official data showed on Thursday, supporting prospects of the central bank maintaining its restrictive policy for some time. Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho said after the data release that inflation would likely stabilise again from October with seasonal factors easing. The central bank also said inflation, which was slightly higher in September than its projection, would still ease to around 3% by the end of the year. Broken down by sector, prices of petroleum products jumped 4.0% over the month, agricultural prices climbed 4.1%, while public utility prices added 5.3%.

Persons: Heo, Choo Kyung, Ahn Jae, Jihoon Lee, Ed Davies, Tom Hogue Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Shinhan Securities, of Korea, Statistics, CPI, Thomson Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Rights SEOUL, Statistics Korea

☆ South Korea Sept consumer inflation accelerates for second month
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Office workers pick up lunch boxes at a convenience store in Seoul, South Korea, June 24, 2022. REUTERS/ Heo Ran/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSEOUL, Oct 4 (Reuters) - South Korea's consumer inflation accelerated for a second month in September, outpacing market expectations, official data showed on Thursday. It was the second consecutive month the annual rate quickened, from a 25-month low of 2.3% in July, and marked the fastest annual rise in five months. Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho said after the data release that inflation would likely stabilise again from October with seasonal factors easing. Broken down by sector, prices of petroleum products jumped 4.0% over the month, agricultural prices climbed 4.1%, while public utility prices added 5.3%.

Persons: Heo, Choo Kyung, Jihoon Lee, Ed Davies, Tom Hogue Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Statistics, CPI, Bank of, Thomson Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Rights SEOUL, Statistics Korea, Bank of Korea's

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