Central Banks

Economists See Earlier Rate Cut by Bank of Korea as Risks Rise

  • Bank likely to bring rate from 3.5% to 3.25% in fourth quarter
  • Plunging exports, worsening property market among risks

Customers walk through Jeonju New Joongang Market in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea.

Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg
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The Bank of Korea will cut its benchmark interest rate earlier than previously expected, a Bloomberg survey shows, reflecting growing concerns over the outlook for economic growth.

The seven-day repurchase rate, currently at 3.5%, will probably be lowered to 3.25% during the last three months of this year, according to the latest median estimates by private economists. That’s one quarter earlier than last month’s survey.