Updated
Updated · ING Think · Jul 10
Bank of Korea Set to Raise Rates 25 Basis Points, Starting New Tightening Cycle
Updated
Updated · ING Think · Jul 10

Bank of Korea Set to Raise Rates 25 Basis Points, Starting New Tightening Cycle

2 articles · Updated · ING Think · Jul 10

Summary

  • A 25-basis-point Bank of Korea rate increase is expected Thursday, marking the start of a new tightening cycle in South Korea.
  • Firming and broadening inflation pressures are driving the move, with price growth seen on a higher path rather than a temporary spike.
  • Growth holding up has given policymakers room to tighten, reducing pressure to prioritize economic support over inflation control.
  • The expected hike comes as regional central banks also weigh persistent price risks, even with lower oil prices offering some relief across Asia.

Insights

With global conflict driving inflation, can Asian central banks control prices using only domestic interest rate hikes?
Could today’s oil price relief be an inflation trap, forcing even more aggressive rate hikes tomorrow?
Is China’s export boom masking a domestic crisis that could soon spill over into the global economy?