Published at 01:10 (GMT) 28 Jan
Though still below 100, S.Koreas Feb mfg conf. index (nsa) firmed up to 81 from 79 in Jan. In seasonally adjusted terms, the index was steady at 84. SMEs gained from the various policies enacted by the government as the SME sub-index climbed to 81 from 76 previously. Meanwhile, there was optimism on the domestic front as the domestic sub-index rose to 81 from 76 in Jan. Sales, production, new orders and operation ratio were all seen ticking up in Feb 2014, while some pick up was also seen in sales and purchase price. Non - mfg conf. index (nsa) came in at 71 for Feb from 70 previously, while was lower at 73 from 74 in Jan in seasonally adjusted terms.
On FX, USD/KRW dropped below 1080.0 to find bids ahead of 1079.0 lvls. Downside is likely to be limited ahead of the FOMC decision midweek. Pair may range between 1075.0 - 1085.0 in intraday trading. KOSPI trading flatlined at last check. 10Y yields trading lower at 3.6114% vs.3.6369% seen on Monday. BB
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