BANK OF KOREA meets Thursday with markets divided between another August hike and a pause after July's 25bp increase to 2.75%. An August move would be a pre-emptive tightening aimed at curbing inflation and preserving financial stability, and would signal policy tightening ahead of the Fed. NH Investment & Securities says the August decision will set the cycle's tone—pre-emptive versus cautious; iM Securities argues delaying to October offers little benefit and the cost of delay is rising. Hold

BANK OF KOREA meets Thursday with markets divided between another August hike and a pause after July's 25bp increase to 2.75%. An August move would be a pre-emptive tightening aimed at curbing inflation and preserving financial stability, and would signal policy tightening ahead of the Fed. NH Investment & Securities says the August decision will set the cycle's tone—pre-emptive versus cautious; iM Securities argues delaying to October offers little benefit and the cost of delay is rising. Hold proponents say more time is needed to assess July's move, citing slowing July inflation, a stronger won and recent equity weakness; Eugene Investment & Securities adds that signaling possible future hikes can have a tightening effect without immediate action.