The Bank of Korea left its main policy rate unchanged at 3.50 percent at its policy meeting held today, in line with the consensus forecast. This leaves the cumulative amount of rate increases made since late 2021 at 275 basis points, with the policy rate at its highest level since 2008.

Since the previous BoK meeting early January, data have shown headline inflation picked up from 5.0 percent in both November and December to 5.2 percent in January, further above the BoK's target level of 2.0 percent. Core CPI inflation has been relatively steady but high in recent months.

The statement accompanying today's decision notes that a weaker global outlook and tighter monetary policy will likely weigh on growth in the first half of 2023 but officials expect some improvement later in the year as conditions in China recover. They also expect inflation to moderate over 2023, revising their annual forecast slightly lower from 3.6 percent to 3.5 percent.

Having left policy rates on hold today, officials indicate that policy may not need to be tightened further in coming months if price pressures moderate in line with their forecasts. They advise that they will need to"judge" whether further rate increases are"warranted" based on"the pace of inflation slowdown and developments in the uncertainties".

Slowing its rate-hake path to 25 basis points at both its November and January meetings, the Bank of Korea is expected to stay on hold in March, keeping its policy rate unchanged at 3.50 percent.

South Korea’s central bank, the Bank of Korea (BoK), announces its monetary policy with regard to interest rates eight times a year. The announcement conveys to the financial markets and investors what, if any, changes in policy might be. The main focus is the target set for the base rate. Policy is framed around keeping the annual rate of inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) at 2 percent over the medium-term.

The Bank of Korea determines interest rate policy at eight meetings during the year. A post-meeting statement is issued after each meeting. The Bank also publishes its Monetary Policy report four times a year and updates economic forecasts twice a year.

Monetary policy goals are to aid and abet solid economic growth along with rising living standards. To achieve these goals, inflation is kept low, stable, and predictable. The Bank has an inflation target at 2 percent over the medium-term. The inflation control target is set by the Bank of Korea in consultation with the government and is reviewed every two years.

The level of interest rates affects the economy. Higher interest rates tend to slow economic activity; lower interest rates stimulate economic activity. Either way, interest rates influence the sales environment. In the consumer sector, few homes or cars will be purchased when interest rates rise. Furthermore, interest rate costs are a significant factor for many businesses, particularly for companies with high debt loads or who have to finance high inventory levels. This interest cost has a direct impact on corporate profits. The bottom line is that higher interest rates are bearish for the financial markets, while lower interest rates are bullish.