The South Korean won depreciated to around 1,440 per dollar, extending declines for a fourth day to its weakest level in almost seven months despite higher than expected domestic inflation. Consumer prices in South Korea climbed 2.4% in October, the fastest pace in over a year and exceeding market forecasts, supporting expectations that the Bank of Korea may maintain its policy rate for longer to balance inflation control with growth risks. Inflation has stayed above the Bank of Korea’s 2% target for most of 2025, apart from brief dips in May and August, adding to pressure on policymakers to keep a steady stance amid persistent currency weakness. Broader caution over South Korea’s trade and investment outlook lingers in the background, as markets continue to assess the recent tariff deal with the US and its related investment plans. Meanwhile, external pressures from a firm dollar weighed on the won.
