
Analysts believe that South Korea's central bank is likely to delay a policy rate cut until November instead of October. This decision is driven by the bank's desire to ensure a slowdown in the increase of household debt, especially in the context of moderating inflation. The Bank of Korea has two remaining monetary decision meetings this year in October and November. Despite the recent moderation in inflation, the central bank is facing challenges due to the continued rise in household debts, particularly in the greater Seoul region. Hwang Seung-taek, an analyst at Hana Securities, stated that the central bank is unlikely to cut the rate this year due to the persistent increase in home prices and household debts. The central bank's recent data revealed a fifth consecutive monthly rise in household loans, with a significant surge in mortgages. The central bank emphasized that any potential rate cuts will be contingent on maintaining financial stability, indicating a cautious approach. Cho Young-moo, a researcher at LG Economic Research Institute, also suggested that the central bank is expected to act in November after confirming a slowdown in home prices and household debts, especially in light of the forecasted improvement in the economy during the second half of the year.