The Bank of Korea (BoK) is expected to raise its monetary policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.75 percent at its upcoming meeting on Thursday, with an aim to protect the nation’s financial stability, according to the latest research report from Scotiabank.
On October 7, BoK Governor Lee Ju-yeol reiterated that the central bank’s previous stance to reduce policy accommodation remains intact in order to address mounting financial imbalances.
In addition, South Korea’s CPI inflation rose to 1.9 percent y/y in September from 1.4 percent a month ago and is expected to increase further on the back of the base effects in the rest of the year.
The nations’ unemployment rate fell to 4.0 percent in September from 4.2 percent in seasonally adjusted terms as the number of employed rose by 45,000 people from a year earlier, marking the biggest increase since June.
The KRW ND IRS market has priced in a 25 bps rate hike within three months. If the central bank decides to maintain the status quo the day after tomorrow, a November rate hike will be delivered, the report further opined.
On the FX side, the KRW is likely to catch up with gains in the THB, particularly if taking into account the BoK’s potentially hawkish stance and emerging signs of easing US-China tensions.
"We maintain our short USD/KRW position targeting 1,120 as local exporters are going to sell dollars when approaching the month end," the report commented.


India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures
Dollar Holds Firm as Markets Weigh Warsh-Led Fed and Yen Weakness Ahead of Japan Election
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty
Jerome Powell Attends Supreme Court Hearing on Trump Effort to Fire Fed Governor, Calling It Historic
New York Fed President John Williams Signals Rate Hold as Economy Seen Strong in 2026
U.S. Urges Japan on Monetary Policy as Yen Volatility Raises Market Concerns
JPMorgan Lifts Gold Price Forecast to $6,300 by End-2026 on Strong Central Bank and Investor Demand
RBA Deputy Governor Says November Inflation Slowdown Helpful but Still Above Target
UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster
Why Trump’s new pick for Fed chair hit gold and silver markets – for good reasons 



