Inflation in South Korea slowed to the weakest pace in more than 15 years amid declining energy-import costs and softness in domestic demand.
Consumer prices rose 0.5 percent in February from a year earlier, Statistics Korea said in a statement on Tuesday. That’s lower than the median estimate of 0.7 percent in a Bloomberg News survey of 17 economists. Prices were unchanged from the previous month, versus projections for a 0.2 percent gain.
This is likely to increase pressure on the Bank of Korea to consider cutting its benchmark interest rate after recent data showed industrial output unexpectedly falling and exports dropping the most in two years. Governor Lee Ju Yeol has said that if the economic situation deteriorates, the BOK will probably have reduce rates further.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD recovers further toward 0.6800 on risk-recovery
AUD/USD extends recovery toward 0.6800 in Asian trading on Thursday, despite mixed Australian employment data. The Aussie cheers a return of risk appetite, which weighs on the post-Fed US Dollar recovery. All eyes now remain on US economic data for fresh impetus.
USD.JPY reverses sharply from 144.00, as US Dollar recovery fizzles
USD/JPY is attacking 143.00 in Thursday's Asian session, reversing sharply from 144.00. The pair pares back gains in tandem with the US Dollar, as the latter's post-Fed recovery falters due to a rebound in risk sentiment. The focus is next on the US data due later today and Friday's BoJ decision.
Gold defends $2,550 in the Fed’s aftermath, ahead of US data
Gold price is defending $2,550 early Thursday, catching a breath after intense volatility witnessed in the aftermath of the all-important US Federal Reserve monetary policy announcements and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s press conference.
Bitcoin surges to $62,000 mark after 50 bps Fed rate cut
Bitcoin and Ripple eye for a rally as they break and find support around their resistance barrier. Meanwhile, Ethereum demonstrates signs of recovery as it approaches a critical resistance level, indicating that an upward rally could be on the horizon if it successfully breaks through.
Australian Unemployment Rate expected to hold steady at 4.2% in August
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release the monthly employment report at 1:30 GMT on Thursday. The country is expected to have added 25K new positions in August, while the Unemployment Rate is foreseen to remain steady at 4.2%.
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know
VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.