Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Kazakhstan Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 18% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Indonesia Aims to Strengthen Rupiah as Central Bank Targets 16,400–16,500 Level 
Bank of Korea Holds Interest Rates Steady as Weak Won Limits Policy Flexibility 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
RBNZ Cuts Interest Rates Again as Inflation Cools and Recovery Remains Fragile 
RBA Reassesses Pricing Behaviors and Policy Impact Amid Inflation Pressures 
The Bank of Korea (BOK) is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 2.75% on April 17, according to a Reuters poll of 37 economists. This marks the second pause in the central bank’s rate-cutting cycle, which began in October. The previous hold came in January as policymakers assessed political instability's economic impact.
With growing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff war and extreme currency volatility, the BOK is taking a cautious stance. Exports, which account for nearly half of South Korea’s GDP, are vulnerable to global trade tensions. A recent 90-day tariff reprieve helped the Korean won rebound slightly after it plunged to a 16-year low on April 9.
Of those surveyed, 24 economists foresee a hold this month, while 13 expect a 25 basis point cut. However, 27 of 30 analysts predict the BOK will lower the rate to 2.50% in May, with more easing likely next quarter.
Kathleen Oh, chief Korea economist at Morgan Stanley, said the BOK is likely to deliver a dovish hold in April while monitoring the impact of reciprocal tariffs and market volatility. She anticipates a downward revision of South Korea’s growth forecast in May.
Despite the temporary tariff relief, uncertainty remains. Economist Stephen Lee from Meritz Securities noted that although South Korea may secure an early waiver, the broader tariff measures were more extensive than anticipated. He argued the BOK must adjust its assumptions and respond proactively with further rate cuts.
By year-end, over half of economists expect rates to drop to 2.25%, a level seen as neutral for the economy. Nine forecast even deeper cuts to 2.00% or below, reflecting mixed expectations amid ongoing global trade uncertainty.
