South Korea's consumer inflation slowed to 1.5% in November, missing expectations and reinforcing prospects of more rate cuts by the Bank of Korea. The reading, just below the central bank's target, follows two consecutive cuts as policymakers aim to support slowing economic growth.
South Korea Inflation Slows, Boosting Rate Cut Prospects
Inflation as measured by the consumer price index in South Korea declined more than anticipated in November, providing the Bank of Korea with further leeway to reduce interest rates even further after having already completed two consecutive rate reductions, Investing.com reports.
According to figures released by the government on Tuesday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.5% year-on-year in November. Even though the result was lower than the 1.7% that was anticipated, it was slightly higher than the 1.3% that was recorded in the previous month. The Consumer Price Index figure for October was the lowest since the beginning of 2021.
Bank of Korea Maintains Focus on Economic Growth
Compared to the previous month's reading of 0.1%, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped by 0.3%.
After the Bank of Korea (BOK) unexpectedly lowered interest rates even more and warned of a slowdown in economic growth in the next year, the reading was released just one week later.
Analysts Expect Further Rate Cuts by February
Despite the fact that the annual CPI number remained significantly lower than the BOK's aim of 2%, the likelihood of additional easing by the central bank became more likely as it worked to strengthen economic development.
According to a poll conducted by Reuters, the majority of analysts anticipate that the Bank of Korea will reduce interest rates even lower in February.


Japan’s Service Sector Sustains Growth Momentum in November
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai
Oil Prices Slip as Russia-Ukraine Peace Hopes Fade and Oversupply Fears Grow
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike
South Korea Posts Stronger-Than-Expected 1.3% Economic Growth in Q3
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 



