[THE INVESTOR] In a widely expected move, Korea’s central bank kept its base rate steady on July 14, one month after it was slashed to a record low of 1.25 percent to help bolster growth.The Bank of Korea’s monetary policy board made a surprise rate cut in June after holding the key interest rate steady at 1.5 percent for 11 consecutive months in what many saw as a preemptive step to boost local spending, one of two major pillars of growth here.BOK chairman Lee Ju-yeol / The InvestorIn the Janua

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean shares opened slightly lower July 14, bucking the Wall Street trend, as investors sought to lock in recent gains. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 1.34 points, or 0.07 percent, to 2,004.21 in the first 15 minutes of trading.Keen attention is being paid to whether the KOSPI will be able to maintain momentum after reaching a monthly high a day earlier.Traders are waiting for a statement on the results of the Bank of Korea’s monthly monetary policy me

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean share prices ended higher on the third straight day July 13 to hit a one-month high. The upward momentum was driven mainly by foreign buying, according to analysts. The South Korean won rose against the US dollar.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index advanced 14.32 points, or 0.72 percent, to 2,005.55.It marks the first time in about three weeks that the KOSPI recovered the 2,000-point level.Trade volume came to 353.3 million shares worth 4.6 trillion won (U

[THE INVESTOR] Led by foreigners’ buying spree, South Korean shares continued to rally late morning on July 13.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 12.84 points, or 0.64 percent, to 2,004.07 as of 11:20 a.m.It reflects risk-on sentiment palpable in the global market emboldened by the virtual end of Brexit woes and renewed confidence in the US economy. Japan is preparing for another round of stimulus measures, further whetting investors’ appetite.Investors are increasingly turning

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean shares were off to a strong start on July 13, as traders were increasingly seeking risky assets.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index jumped 15.35 points, or 0.77 percent, to 2,006.58 in the first 15 minutes of trading.The global market has virtually dispelled Brexit fears, and the US economy is gaining renewed momentum. Japan is preparing for another round of stimulus measures, further whetting investors’ appetite.In New York, the Dow Jones industrial avera