February 04, 2025 21:50 GMT
SOUTH KOREA: FX Reserves Decline Following Political Turmoil. (Amended)
SOUTH KOREA
- The political turmoil in South Korea is showing up in the date with a drop in January’s reported FX reserves.
- January’s reserves fell to $411.01bn from $415.60bn as the export orientated economy has had to defend its currency in the wake of severe political upheaval and a potential trade war looming.
- South Korea’s currency, the Won, has depreciated over 5% in the last 3 months forcing the Bank of Korea to defend the currency in an attempt to smooth out volatility.
Over the last three months, the Won is the worst performing currency of its regional peers and with the looming tariff war, a Central Bank determined to cut rates, and a slowing economy; it seems likely that the drain on FX reserves will continue for the Bank of Korea.
130 words