Moody's Analytics economist John Bromhead said September data suggest recent tightening by the Bank of Korea may be starting to ease underlying price pressures. Core inflation slowed to 2.8% in September from 3.4% the prior month; improved supply around the Mid-Autumn holiday eased some food-price pressure and services inflation momentum moderated. Elevated energy costs remain a persistent source of pressure for households and firms. Bromhead said further Bank of Korea hikes are unlikely to reli

Moody's Analytics economist John Bromhead said September data suggest recent tightening by the Bank of Korea may be starting to ease underlying price pressures. Core inflation slowed to 2.8% in September from 3.4% the prior month; improved supply around the Mid-Autumn holiday eased some food-price pressure and services inflation momentum moderated. Elevated energy costs remain a persistent source of pressure for households and firms. Bromhead said further Bank of Korea hikes are unlikely to relieve energy- and transport-driven inflation, but strong September trade data may give the central bank room to consider another increase in November.