The Korea Herald

S.Korea‘s economic output edged up 0.7 % in 2014

Jun 15, 2016

[THE INVESTOR] South Korea‘s economic output increased in 2014 from a year earlier, a central bank report showed Wednesday.But output by the manufacturing sector fell, along with the portion of trade in total supply also shrinking. Busan PortThe country’s total supply, which equals total consumption, came to 4,237.8 trillion won ($3,598.1 billion) in 2014, up 0.7 percent from the previous year, according to the Bank of Korea. The reading was a turnaround from a 0.2 percent on-year drop in the pr
[ANALYST REPORT] China’s import recovery in May

Jun 15, 2016

China’s import growth recovered to 0% in May, which we attribute to a sharp increase in commodity imports. We think China’s rapid urbanization and eased inventory burden indicate that its commodity imports may continue to increase, albeit at a slower pace than in May, which should help stabilize commodity prices and have a positive impact on EMs. While we think recovery in Korea’s exports to China is unlikely, in light of China’s policy shift away from the processing trade, Korea’s exports to E
Korea’s export prices fell 4% in May

Jun 15, 2016

[THE INVESTOR] South Korea’s export prices fell 4 percent in May to post a fifth straight month drop on-year, according to central bank data on June 15. But compared to April, the prices gained 2.4 percent. The on-month increase was largely credited to the weakening of the local currency, which traded at an average 1,171.51 won against the dollar in May, 2.1 percent drop from an average 1,147.51 won in the previous month, according to the central bank. Export prices of industrial goods decrease
[ANALYST REPORT] Korean government's policy bank recapitalization plan is credit positive for banks

Jun 15, 2016

Below is an article from “Moody’s Credit Outlook”, 13 June, 2016 issue.Last Wednesday, the Korean government announced plans to recapitalize public-policy banks Korea Development Bank (KDB, Aa2/Aa2 stable, ba2) and The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM, Aa2 stable), a credit positive for the banks. The plan clarifies the size and method of recapitalization, and maintains the government’s strong commitment to the banks. KDB and KEXIM’s Aa2 ratings benefit from nine notches of government support
Unemployment rate in South Korea fell to 3.7% in May

Jun 15, 2016

[THE INVESTOR] Although the youth unemployment rate in South Korea remains high, it fell slightly in May, with a rise in employment in the health and accommodation industry, according to a government report on June 15. According to the report by Statistics Korea, the fourth-largest economy in Asia had a jobless rate of 3.7 percent last month, compared to 3.9 percent in April. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained flat at 3.7 percent in May. Job creation soared compared to the previo
Seoul fails to make MSCI cut

Jun 15, 2016

[THE INVESTOR] South Korea failed to put its stock market back on Morgan Stanley Capital International review list of developed market index candidates after failing to accept requirements from the widely followed global index provider, the financial regulator said Wednesday. MSCI cited the absence of an around-the-clock market to exchange Korean won with other currencies and delays in Seoul‘s packages of financial reforms that will take effect after 2017, as some of the main reasons, the Financ
Seoul bourse opens lower on pending Fed decision

Jun 15, 2016

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean shares opened lower June 15 in light of growing “Brexit” rumors and investors adopting an uncertain attitude while waiting for the decision on rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index slid down by 0.87 point, or 0.04 percent, to 1,970.16 in the first 15 minutes of trading. As decision on the U.S rate has been inching toward finalization since June 14, investors are keen on receiving more information on the matter. 123rf.Marke