Finance

BOK shifts to tightening as growth rebounds, leaves door open to more rate hikes

The Bank of Korea raised its policy rate to 2.75 percent from 2.50 percent, marking a shift toward tighter monetary policy. It cited cost pressures from oil and the currency, and demand-side inflation risks as AI investment and a semiconductor boom lift income and support consumption. The central bank also pointed to financial stability risks including housing prices, household debt and exchange-rate volatility, and did not rule out additional rate increases.

Finance

Margin loan balance falls for sixth session to three-month low after stock market plunge

South Korea\'s margin loan balance fell for a sixth straight session and slid to its lowest level in about three months after a sharp drop in local stocks. The outstanding balance stood at 34.8 trillion won as of July 13, the Korea Financial Investment Association said. Investor deposits held at brokerages but not yet used to buy stocks rose after four sessions of declines to 109.0 trillion won.