BOK Official: Premature to decide on rate cuts to counter virus impact, USD/KRW at seven-week high

Dhwani Mehta FXStreet

It is too early to decide on further monetary policy easing to counter the China coronavirus economic impact, the Bank of Korea’s (BOK), South Korean central bank, Senior Deputy Governor Yoon Myun-shik told reporters on Thursday.

Key Quotes:

The bank will closely monitor markets amid the coronavirus outbreak and will watch its impact on the economy with caution.

Premature to say whether the potential impact from the new coronavirus should be countered with further easing.

The BOK left the key interest rate unchanged at 1.25% at its monetary policy meeting held on January, 17^th.

FX Implications:

The above comments had little to no impact on the Korean Won, with USD/KRW keeping its range near a seven-week high of 1,184.01 amid rising concerns over China’s coronavirus spread. The cross rises 0.32% so far this Thursday.

Author

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

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