South Korea’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to around 3.47%, reaching its highest level since June 2024, after the central bank held its key rate steady and indicated that the current easing cycle has likely concluded. The decision came as policymakers prioritized financial stability, with the won hovering near sixteen-year lows. Following a cumulative 100 basis points of rate cuts since October 2024, Governor Rhee Chang-yong signaled a prolonged pause in easing amid geopolitical uncertainties and persistent capital outflow risks. The Bank of Korea further reinforced this stance by removing language from its statement that had previously suggested potential future rate cuts. Analysts have now pushed back expectations for the next rate cut to the first quarter of 2027, from earlier predictions of the first quarter of this year, as authorities are expected to continue efforts to stabilize the won amid challenging external conditions.
