">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
WRAPUP 3-S.Korea cuts rates to record low, more to come
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Search
Search:
WRAPUP 3-S.Korea cuts rates to record low, more to come
Reuters - Friday, February 13
* Bank of Korea cuts rates for sixth time to record low
ADVERTISEMENT
* Base rate seen reaching bottom in coming months
* Companies plan 30 percent cut in capital investment
* Government unveils $37 billion support for smaller firms
By Seo Eun-kyung
SEOUL, Feb 12 - South Korea's central bank slashed interest rates for the sixth time in four months on Thursday to a record low of 2.0 percent and suggested it would cut further to help an economy sliding into recession.
The president approved plans to keep credit lines open to smaller firms and the finance ministry offered tax cuts on new homes in the latest efforts to fight off the global financial crisis that has already pushed job losses in the export-reliant economy to a five-year high.
The central bank, which acknowledged for the first time that the economy could shrink this year, said it would monitor the affects of its unprecedented rate cutting spree totalling 3.25 percentage points since October, but could still cut further.
"Further interest rate adjustments depend on how financial markets and other sectors respond to the recent rate policy. Overall, we are open to further adjustments," Bank of Korea Governor Lee Seong-tae told reporters.
For a graph of South Korea's base rate, double-click: https://customers.reuters.com/d/graphics/KR_RTS0209.gif
Bond prices initially rose on the prospects of more rate cuts but closed lower as investors worried about rising government bond sales to fund its stimulus packages. [ID:nSEO308834]
Currency and stocks also fell, focusing on Lee's prognosis that the economy would shrink in 2009 for the first time since the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, a sharp swing from the central bank's official forecast of 2 percent growth. [.KS] [KRW/]
Thursday's half a percentage point cut was anticipated by markets. But analysts say that after cutting the base rate from a record high in October of 5.25 percent to the current level, the potential for deeper cuts is now limited.
CREDIT SUPPORT
Analysts expect the Bank of Korea to cut the base rate to around 1.5 percent in coming months before turning to other ways to supply easy money, such simply printing cash or buying government bonds. [ID:nSEO332231]
"Beyond 2 percent, we see only limited room for aggressive cuts because there are still concerns over exchange rate volatility," said Frederic Neumann at HSBC in Hong Kong.
"We also expect much more unconventional measures to be rolled out by the central bank because even though they cut the policy rate that ... has not fed through to the wider economy yet."
In addition to rate cuts, authorities so far have pledged around $100 billion to stimulate the economy, provided debt guarantees to keep credit flowing and offered to buy up assets to free up cash for companies.
On Thursday, President Lee Myung-bak approved plans to offer about $37 billion in credit guarantees to small and medium-sized companies, a sector struggling to secure credit.
The Finance Ministry also said it would provide tax cuts on those buying new homes this year and selling them within five years, a move aimed at reducing the rising stock of new and unsold homes. [ID:nSEO357369]
Lee will meet Finance Minister Yoon Jeung-hyun on Friday to share views on the economy and to see how they can cooperate, the central bank and the ministry said.
GLOOM
Reflective of the bleak outlook, a private survey by the country's top business lobby group showed companies would slash capital investment by 30 percent this year. [ID:nSEO311071]
On Wednesday, data showed the economy shed 103,000 jobs in January, the biggest drop in more than five years.
The deepening gloom prompted the finance ministry this week to say gross domestic product would fall around 2 percent in 2009, the first official forecast of contraction although private-sector analysts have been predicting for some weeks that the economy would shrink.
Governor Lee said the central bank was willing to join government efforts to lift the economy. He did not elaborate but analysts said buying government bonds from the market could be an option for the central bank to expand money supply.
The Finance Ministry plans to submit an additional budget bill to parliament to expand spending next month, which will most likely be funded by more bond sales. (Additional reporting by Cheon Jong-woo, Writing by Yoo Choonsik; Editing by)
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Business
India's Reliance opens U.S. gasoline trading deskReuters - 58 minutes ago
"Great Recession" seen lasting 3 years, experts sayReuters - 1 hour 4 minutes ago
Waste Management 4Q profit falls 29 percentAP - 1 hour 7 minutes ago
Retail sales rise unexpectedly in JanuaryAP - 1 hour 10 minutes ago
Coca-Cola 4Q profit falls 18 pctAP - 1 hour 13 minutes ago
Most Popular – Business
Viewed
Merrill bonuses made 696 millionaires: probe
ABB annual net profit drops to 3.1 bln dlrs
British armed police swoop on cowboy party
Crisis shakes steel, auto, oil sectors
Indian woman has football-sized tumour removed from jaw
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 12 February 2009 Robin Gibb Becomes First Ambassador For Diana Award
Saving Abel Rocker Jason Null Saved From Sex Charges
Iranian News Agency Responds To Obama's Request For Dialogue
Lawmakers Have Tentative Agreement On $790 Billion Stimulus Price Tag
Unidentified Man's Body Dragged Under Van For 17 Miles Through New York City
Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan CEOs Testify Wednesday On Their Use Of Bailout
Russian Russia's Foreign Minister Says It Might Consider Shipment Of Arms Bound For U.S. Troops In Afghanistan
American Scientists Experimenting With Urine Test For Prostate Cancer
Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens Wants New Trial After Prosecutors Allegedly Concealed Evidence
McCain Begins Fundraising For 2010 Re-Election
Specter Under Fire For Voting For Senate's $838 Billion Stimulus
States, Cities, Counties Review Immigration Laws
Unidentified Man's Body Dragged Under Van For 17 Miles Through New York City
Favre And Away: Jets Quarterback Confirms Retirement By E-Mail
Despite Congressional Delay Vote, Almost 500 U.S. TV Stations To Push Through With Digital Switch Next Week
EU Relaunches 112 Emergency Number
Queen Elizabeth Appoints New Keeper For The Crown Jewels In Tower Of London
ICC to indict Sudan's Bashir over Darfur
Australia police detain 2 over deadly bushfires
| International
|
Taliban kill 20 in trio of Afghan capital attacks
| International
|
Security stepped up after Kabul blasts
Holbrooke gets Sharif's view on Pakistan
| International
|
Israeli rivals share tough line on Hamas and Iran
ABB annual net profit drops to 3.1 bln dlrs
ICC to indict Sudan's Bashir over Darfur: diplomats
| International
|
Israeli election could boost Hamas truce talks
ICC approves arrest warrant for Sudan's Beshir: NY Times
Twelve held after China state TV complex blaze
| International
|
At least 27 die in Iraq as bombs, shootings shatter lull
Quake near Indonesia's Sulawesi injures about 50
| International
|
US lawmakers embrace 789 billion dollar stimulus
Israel faces gridlock and dim peace prospects
Merrill bonuses made 696 millionaires: probe
Panel orders U.N. to pay costs of oil-for-food chief
| International
|
Fortis shareholders reject break-up of ailing bank
Israeli rivals battle for power after tight vote
Vietnam, Vatican to discuss diplomatic ties
| International
|
Mexico's Calderon raps billionaire Slim on economy
| International
|
Car bombs strike Shiite pilgrims, kill at least 12
British armed police swoop on cowboy party
US trade gap shrinks in 2008 as recession bites
New prostate cancer test gets go-ahead
Videogames seen good for children
| Technology
|
Guitar Hero fails to save Activision
| Technology
|
US lawmakers ink 789 billion dollar stimulus deal
Sirius XM in talks with DirecTV, Liberty: reports
| Technology
|
Sources: Clinton plans to name NKorea envoy soon
Cuba launches own Linux variant to counter U.S.
| Technology
|
Murder Charge Set For Mom Who Dropped Baby In Lake
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,243
FCC to scrutinize stations wanting early DTV switch
| Technology
|
Florida Authorities Search For 5-Year-Old Girl Who Disappeared From Bed At Night
Iranian minister says he's optimistic about US
Ethiopian Police Arrests Man Keeping Belongings Of Slain American Diplomat
Tesla says likely to be profitable by mid-2009
| Technology
|
Facebook settled for 65 million: ConnectU law firm
U.S. Navy Nets 7 Suspected Pirates In Gulf Of Aden
U.S. stimulus bill cleared for House and Senate votes
US-TECH Summary
U.S., Russian Communications Satellites Collide In Orbit
Pennsylvania County Judges' Harsh Sentences On Juveniles Under Review
"Guitar Hero" fails to save Activision
Russia, US discuss Afghan transit
Sirius XM Radio To File For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Videogames seen good for children
AP interview: Lithuania seeks assurance from US
Madoff's Wife Withdrew Millions Shortly Before Arrest
Obama signs bill delaying digital TV switch to June
US Navy seizes 7 suspected pirates off Somalia
Feb 11 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
FCC to scrutinize stations wanting early DTV switch
Feeling The Pinch: America's Economic Crisis
Facebook most-visited social networking website
Tesla says likely to be profitable by mid-2009
RIM sees profit at low end of range, shares tumble
Cuba launches own Linux variant to counter U.S.
Nokia says to cut 559 jobs in Finland
Phoenix says no turning back on quitting acting
| Entertainment
|
Desperate Housewives to lose Nicollette Sheridan
| Entertainment
|
Brad Paisley leads Country Music award nominations
| Entertainment
|
NZ dairy confident of safety of milk products
Just A Minute With: singer-songwriter Graham Nash
| Entertainment
|
Shark attack diver in Australia loses hand
Actor Seagal wants to bring Hollywood to Costa Rica
| Entertainment
|
Chinese TV official among 12 held over fire: police
Howard Stern says satellite radio will survive
| Entertainment
|
Scandal-hit Chinese milk firm declared bankrupt: Xinhua
Michelle Obama graces cover of Vogue magazine
| Entertainment
|
Actor Seagal wants to bring Hollywood to Costa Rica
Troops throng Afghan capital after Taliban attacks
Hollywood's Brazilian bombshell Carmen Miranda remembered
NY designers get creative to battle recession
| Entertainment
|
Dozens injured as major quake hits Indonesia
12 detained over massive fire in Beijing complex
A list of some of the world's deadliest wildfires
Chinese court declares dairy bankrupt
China says expects good harvest despite drought
Movies can't change the world, say Israeli, Palestinian filmmakers
Singer-actress Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams engaged
SKorea cuts key interest rate amid recession fears
Actor Seagal wants to bring Hollywood to Costa Rica
Outsourcing firms look to India for growth
`American Idol' gets down to 36 semifinalists
Japan's Pioneer to cut 10,000 jobs worldwide
List of 36 semifinalists on 'American Idol'
S.Korea offers tax waiver to spur home sales
Gloom at major European art fair as boom in sales seen over
Bank of Korea cuts interest rate to new record low
Judge ends Joe Francis' house arrest
Honda slashes new graduate hiring as slump bites
Obama makes pilgrimage to Lincoln assassination site
Seoul shares fall after rate cut;Hynix, banks lose
Howard Stern says satellite radio will survive
Taiwan sells 168-day T-bills at 0.22 percent yield
CORRECTED: Brad Paisley leads Country Music award nominations
Pakistani c.bank sells 11 bln rupees of T-bills
Indonesia lifts tsunami warning issued after quake
Pakistani c.bank to sell T-bills in 7-day repo
Major quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning lifted
U.S., Russian Communications Satellites Collide
Pakistan says it arrests Mumbai attack plotters
| International
|
Reform candidate slams Iran's hardline president
Military vote could help decide Israeli election
| International
|
Iran building seven more satellites
Playwright Sam Shepard Pleads Guilty To DUI, Ordered To Complete Community Service
U.S. and Russia track satellite crash debris
| International
|
Ne-Yo Sued For New Year's Eve Party No-Show
Afghans investigate Pakistan link to Kabul raids
| International
|
Total oil group reports record French profits
Israel lets Gaza export Valentine's Day flowers
Roadside bomb kills eight Iraqi pilgrims: police
| International
|
Live Nation-Ticketmaster Merger Probed by U.S. Department Of Justice
Miley Cyrus Sued For $4 Billion Over Eyes-Slanting Photo
Iran urges release of citizens held in Iraq by U.S.
| International
|
Pope tells Jews Holocaust denial is intolerable
| International
|
Wounded Sri Lankans, nuns make narrow escape from war
| International
|
US, Russian satellites collide in space
US soldier dies of non-combat injuries in Iraq
Royal watchers can track British Queen on website
| Technology
|
Analysis: Obama faces double dilemmas in Mideast
Qualcomm, HP, MySpace to join Symbian camp
| Technology
|
Qualcomm, HP, MySpace to join Symbian camp
On Darwin's 200th Birthday, Only 39 Percent Of Americans Believe In Evolution
California Governor, Lawmakers Agree On Budget Framework
No New Taxes In W.VA Budget, But Governor Also Has No Pay Raises For State Employees
Special Election For Gillibrand's House Seat Set For March 31
Verizon loses customer switching lawsuit
| Technology
|
Senate Panel Unanimously Backs Leon Panetta's Nomination As CIA Director
Glass Manufacturer AGC Flat Glass N America Announces Layoffs Of 232 Workes With Closure Of W.VA Plant
'Baby Doc's' millions set to return to Haiti
Employers Block Jobless Benefits Of Former Workers
Nine dead in Russia shootout
Ethanol Companies Badly Hit By Lower Gas Prices
200th Anniversary Of Abraham Lincoln's Life Celebrated
House Rules Committee Takes Up $789 Stimulus; Bill May Be Signed Into Law Friday
Zellweger plays woman desperately seeking husband
| Entertainment
|
Dengue kills 5, infects thousands in Indonesia
Australia blames arsonists for deadly wildfires
Thirst for learning defies forced marriage in film
| Entertainment
|
Sri Lankan troops declare new civilian safe zone
Despite economy, the show must go on in Hollywood
SKorea warns NKorea against missile test plan
Rihanna postpones show, police continue probe
| Entertainment
|
Official: Mumbai attack launched from Pakistan
On Darwin's 200th Birthday, Only 39 Percent Of Americans Believe In Evolution
Philippines summons World Bank official
Pakistani forex reserves rise to $10.29 bn
Troops throng Afghan capital after Taliban attacks
Pakistani stocks and rupee end weaker
Indonesia appeals acquittal of dictator's son
China's bank loans double in January to $237 bln
Connecticut Opera closes down, citing bad economy
NKorea claims nature celebrating Kim's birthday
WRAPUP 3-S.Korea cuts rates to record low, more to come
Report: Hardwicke declined huge `New Moon' payday
China official: Tibetan areas closed to foreigners
China shares mixed on lower exports
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Thirst for learning defies forced marriage in film
Taiwan eyes quick parliament approval for spending
Despite economy, the show must go on in Hollywood
Taiwan dollar hits 4-1/2-year closing low on funds
Music streaming service draws record labels' ire
Yamaha Motor expects first loss in 26 years
Charley Pride leads Arkansas lawmakers in song
S.Korea fin min, c.bank chief to meet on Fri
Israel allows Gaza flowers out for Valentine's
Nikkei falls to 3-month low on US bailout worries
AFP, French partner launch global leisure newswire in Asia
Neil Young added to Jazz Fest, but Aretha cancels
Research Suggests Paying People To Stop Smoking Works Wonders
Leukemia, HIV Patient Symptom Free Two Years After Stem Cell Transplant
Nation Celebrates Lincoln's 200th Birthday With Ceremonies, New Penny
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights