Bank of Korea Survey Sees Rate Hike to 3.25% by Year-End

According to Sina Finance, citing a Bloomberg survey, the median estimate showed markets expect the Bank of Korea to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.25% in the fourth quarter. Markets also expect another 25-basis-point increase in the second quarter of 2027, which would lift the policy rate to 3.50%. The survey raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3.4% from 3.3%, and its 2027 GDP growth forecast to 2.5% from 2.3%. It kept 2026 consumer price index inflation unchanged at 2.7% and left 2026 export growth unchanged at 9.2%, while raising 2027 export growth to 4.5% from 3.4%. Chong Hoon Park of Standard Chartered said the semiconductor boom is continuing to boost household income, consumption, and public finances, supporting faster tightening. He added that inflation expectations remain manageable, while tighter global financial conditions are a constraint. The survey was conducted from September 8 to September 14.