">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
WRAPUP 2-South Korea says it can cope with debt burden
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 2-South Korea says it can cope with debt burden
Reuters - Thursday, February 19
* Central bank says foreign debt not large
ADVERTISEMENT
* Won still hurt by heightened risk aversion
* Financial regulator moves on restructuring
By Kim Yeon-hee and Yoo Choonsik
SEOUL, Feb 19 - South Korea on Thursday dismissed market concerns that local banks might fall under the weight of their foreign debts, saying the amount owed was small compared to the country's more than $200 billion in currency reserves.
The central bank chief also played down fears that Japanese lenders may pull out money en masse ahead of their yearly book-closing in March, saying funds from South Korea's giant neighbour were small and mostly for business operations rather than investment. [ID:nSEO219934]
Speculation has been mounting that South Korean borrowers could struggle to pay their debts as early as next month, unable to raise dollars or persuade creditors to roll over the loans. [ID:nSEO129537]
"We view the $24.5 billion in foreign debt due for the rest of this year as not a big amount when taking into account the foreign exchange reserves and other conditions," the Bank of Korea said in a statement.
Of the total, local banks had about $10.4 billion in foreign debt due in February and March, although that excludes branches of overseas banks.
The central bank said much of the maturing foreign debt would probably be rolled over as dollar funding conditions globally had improved since the beginning of the year.
And while the rollover ratio on maturing short-term debt had fallen below 40 percent between October and December last year, it had recovered to 86 percent in January and more than 100 percent in February.
The Finance Ministry also tried to play down concerns over debts, saying external liabilities had declined by about $40 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, standing at 43 percent of gross domestic product, lower than levels in advanced economies.
WON, SHARES FACE PRESSURE
The won <KRW=> was briefly lifted by the comments but turned weaker again to hit a 11-week low of 1,477.4 per dollar as they failed to soothe investor worries over the local banks' ability to raise funds.
In addition to a surprise decision by Woori Bank, the country's No. 2 lender by assets, not to redeem $400 million debt, investors are concerned about the worsening economic situation in eastern and central Europe.
"The Bank of Korea's comments helped relieve some of the worries about the debt burden, but people lately are very nervous about what will happen in east Europe and about the implications for the global markets," said Park Yong-il, senior FX trader at DBS Bank's branch in Seoul.
The won and local shares have also been pressured by expectations that Asia's fourth-largest economy could contract this year even faster than the 6.9 percent decline during the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis.
In a policy report to parliament, the central bank said it would continue to focus on supporting the drooping economy.
Treasury bond futures <0#KTB:> lost ground after Bank of Korea Governor Lee Seong-tae did not rule out the possibility of underwriting treasury bonds in the coming months but said it was regarded as the "last option". [ID:nSEO220143]
The government forecasts a contraction of 2 percent this year, while some analysts say the drop could be as much as 7 percent, and plans to draw up additional spending plans by the next month partly financed through new bonds.
The country's financial watchdog announced that creditor banks would assess the accounts of top conglomerates -- which dominate the South Korean economy -- in April and restructure their weakest units.
The Financial Services Commission also wants to speed rehabilitation plans by the end of March of the key shipbuilding and construction industries which have been among the hardest hit by the global economic downturn.
To help in the restructuring process, it said it was ready to revise laws for private equity funds to attract investors into corporate restructuring funds. (Writing by Jonathan Thatcher; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner and Kazunori Takada)
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 cbank offers 597.30 bln rupees at special repoReuters - 1 hour 6 minutes ago
Japan takes new credit steps, holds rates steadyAFP - 1 hour 6 minutes ago
China c.bank official says more rate cuts riskyReuters - 1 hour 11 minutes ago
Turkey - Factors to Watch on Feb 19Reuters - 1 hour 15 minutes ago
Bridgestone '08 profit down 47 pct, sees fall aheadReuters - 1 hour 16 minutes ago
Most Popular – Business
Viewed
UBS admits US tax fraud, to identify scofflaw clients
Seductive chemicals hidden in sloppy kisses
Andean glaciers 'could disappear': World Bank
US states may axe executions to cut costs
17,000 US troops to Afghanistan: Obama
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, 19 February 2009 Karzai expects reduced tensions with U.S.
| International
|
Russia, Georgia agree plan to avoid new clashes
| International
|
Sarkozy tries to avert unrest with new aid plans
| International
|
Mexican drug gang menace spreads in Guatemala
| International
|
Israel's Peres begins consulting parties on PM
| International
|
Two professors theorize on bin Laden hideout
| International
|
Helicopter carrying 18 crashes off Scotland
| International
|
North Dakota House Passes Measure To Ban Abortion
Telecoms industry gets real in Barcelona
| Technology
|
Texas Wary Of Strings Attached On Stimulus Money
Update: Obama Unveils $75 Billion Foreclosure Plan To Help Homeowners
Asia's shoppers go online as Internet barriers fall
| Technology
|
Feb 18 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Formal brain exercise won't help healthy seniors: research
| Technology
|
Third Earthquake In Three Weeks Strikes New Jersey
Telecoms executives keep faith in emerging markets
| Technology
|
Arkansas Lawmakers Propose Raising State Minimum Wage To Federal Levels
Albuquerque, NM Police Find Mysterious Sixth Set Of Human Bones
Verizon picks Alcatel-Lucent for network
| Technology
|
Maryland Governor Opposed To State Senate President's Plan To Put Slot Machines At Airport
Clinton Arrives In Jakarta; Criticizes Myanmar's Military Junta
Chipmakers seek growth in small devices
| Technology
|
Scientists Warn Of Water Level, Temperature Rise Around New York Area
DTV coupon backlog seen gone within weeks
| Technology
|
Oscar for Ledger would go to daughter Matilda
| Entertainment
|
Judge rejects Polanski's bid to reopen sex case
| Entertainment
|
Famous Ethiopian singer has jail term cut
| Entertainment
|
Albuquerque, NM Police Find Mysterious Sixth Set Of Human Bones
Israel says no cease-fire until soldier comes home
Egyptian authorities free opposition leader Nour
Correction: Iraq exhibit story
US state's 'personhood' law would hit birth control: opponents
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush due in court
Fed sees US contraction, moves toward inflation goal
NATO revisits Afghan strategy as US troops ready to deploy
Obama unveils 275 billion dollar housing plan
Egypt frees political dissident Ayman Nur
UBS admits US tax fraud, to identify scofflaw clients
Israel's Peres begins vetting parties for PM pick
Sarkozy unveils benefits package to stem protests
Palestinian unity talks delayed: Egypt
Stanford probe puts cricket chiefs on defensive
Jewish leaders: Punish UAE for banning tennis star
Brown calls for 'grand bargain' at G20 summit
Obama says mortgage program to help up to nine million
Rape, war, climate to top UN chief's African tour
Brazil climate change threatens top coffee crop
Russia: global warming to cause droughts, floods
Geronimo's Family Sues U.S. Gov't, Yale University, Secret Society To Recover Famous Apache's Remains
Obama heads to Canada
NASA, ESA Set Exploration Of Jupiter Moons
Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush goes on trial
Appeals Court: Chinese Muslim Detainees From Gitmo Can't Transfer To U.S.
'Tough year' ahead in Afghanistan: US general
Jury Rules Philip Morris Must Pay $8M Damages To Widow, Son Of Chain Smoker
Counter-Narcotics Row Leads To Expulsion Of Second U.S. Diplomat In Ecuador
US commander: Troops 'stalemated' in Afghanistan
Lance Armstrong's stolen bicycle recovered
Search Yields No Avalanche Victims At Mountain Ski Resort
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 580
President Obama Not Interested In Re-Instating Fairness Doctrine
US-TECH Summary
Louisiana Gov. May Not Want All The Stimulus Money For His State
Lawmakers: US must enforce assault-gun import ban
Few report hitches as digital TV switch begins
Wall Street Finishes Flat As Stocks Fail To Rally On Relief Efforts
Mobile phones aim to be a 'doctor in your pocket'
Canadian Liberal Leaders Meet Obama On Thursday
T-Mobile USA tests $50 unlimited call plan
HP reports 13 pct drop in net profit, lowers outlook
French forces come under fire on Guadeloupe
New service unmasks blocked telephone calls
18 rescued after helicopter drops into North Sea
AMD stockholders approve Abu Dhabi investment
Facebook reverses course on privacy policy
Berlusconi death flight 'joke' opens Argentina row
Formal "brain exercise" won't help healthy seniors: research
Czech lower house approves EU's Lisbon Treaty
Mobile phones aim to be a 'doctor in your pocket'
EU's Solana heads for Belarus as relations thaw
Russia, Georgia take first step on conflict prevention
Russia, Ukraine in new row over envoy's comments
Hollywood writers' union pickets "American Idol"
Warning! Oscar can be bad for your career
Hollywood struggles to find wealth on the Web
Vietnam and Vatican discuss establishment of ties
Mickey Rourke loses beloved chihuahua in Oscar week
Snow business: China enjoys induced snowfall
Ubisoft to drive "Wheelman" for cash-strapped Midway
Japanese leader under pressure to resign
NZ wants action to prevent Antarctic cruise disaster
China hopes for continuity as Clinton visits
Philippine gunmen kidnap businessman, daughter
Underdogs have their day at Oscars
Asian Development Bank wants capital tripled: president
Hollywood writers' union pickets "American Idol"
Taiwan kills 600 pigs to contain foot-and-mouth
Pakistan repays maturing $500 mln Eurobond
Small fire at Tracy Morgan's NYC apt.; no injuries
Clinton hammers Obama message home in Asia
London takes a fresh look at Le Corbusier
South Korean won falls for 8th session
Malaysian politics thrown into further turmoil
'Sale of the Century' for Saint Laurent art collection
Seoul shares end down;banks, exporters lead losses
Japan PM apologises for finance minister debacle
Small budgets, big dreams at Spirit Awards
Air China says no additional fuel hedging: report
CEOs less popular than politicians: poll
Japan leaves interest rate on hold amid recession
Warning! Oscar can be bad for your career
China to step up auditing to ensure stability
Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee touts cologne
Japan's central bank leaves interest rates on hold
US-HOLLYWOOD-WEB
Korea Hot Stocks-LG Display, Daewoo Engineering rise
WRAPUP 2-South Korea says it can cope with debt burden
Australia, Indonesia talk trade, illegal migrants
Clinton says Indonesia shows Islam and modernity coexist
Geronimo's Family Sues U.S. Gov't, Yale University, Secret Society To Recover Famous Apache's Remains
Clinton: Obama may want to wait to visit Indonesia
Zimbabwe To Pay State Workers, Soldiers In U.S. Dollar
Green Comet Making Closest Approach To Earth On Feb. 24
Key hawk endorses Netanyahu for Israeli premier
NATO revisits Afghan strategy as US urges long-term effort
U.S. lawmakers make rare visit to Hamas-ruled Gaza
Kyrgyzstan shuts U.S. air base, NATO Afghan help sought
| International
|
Tupac Shakur's Estate Sued By Movie Company For Backing Out Of Film Agreement
Aussie Band Men At Work's Guitarist Arrested In LA For Threatening To Kill Lead Singer
Russia acquits all accused over Politkovskaya murder
Netanyahu wins backing in Israeli PM contest
| International
|
Tracy Morgan's New York Apartment Scorched By Fire
North Korea warns of war as Clinton heads for Seoul
| International
|
Iraqi shoe-thrower defiant as trial adjourned
US to press allies for more Afghanistan troops
Bush's icy smile enraged Iraq shoe-thrower
| International
|
BNP suffers 1.366-bln-euro 4th qtr loss
US Senator John Kerry visits Gaza
Kabul eyes control on aid, security in U.S. review
| International
|
BNP Paribas profit plunges to 3.0 bln euros
Iraq reporter who threw shoes at Bush goes on trial
Court acquits 3 of aiding murder of Politkovskaya
| International
|
Swiss Re posts historic annual loss
Pakistani Islamists ask Taliban for peace in Swat
| International
|
North Africa Qaeda posts photos of Western hostages
| International
|
Bangladesh ferry sinks with 19 dead
| International
|
Japan PM has support of most party chapters: poll
| International
|
John Kerry visits Gaza Strip
Kyrgyzstan MPs approve closure of U.S. air base
Obama to address protectionist fears on Canada trip
iPhone features everywhere in rivals' new phones
| Technology
|
Kerry Leads Congressional Delegation To Gaza; Condemns Hamas
Mobile advertising edges closer to breakthrough
| Technology
|
Funds For School Sports May Be Cut Due To Recession
Whereabouts of detained Egypt blogger unknown: Amnesty
| Technology
|
Bankrupt New York Retailer Fortunoff Stops Redeeming Gift Cards Without Notice; Customers Angry Over Lost Money
Hollywood struggles to find wealth on the Web
| Technology
|
First Lady Celebrates Black History Month With D.C. School Children At White House
Republicans, Mortgage Bankers Concerned About President's Foreclosure Plan
Few report hitches as digital TV switch begins
| Technology
|
Fed Forecasts High Unemployment Until 2011
Facebook reverses course on privacy policy
| Technology
|
Kyrgyzstan's Parliament Votes To Evict U.S. From Air Base; Only Military Supply Route For U.S. Troops In Afghanistan Will Be Risky Khyber Pass
Radical cleric Qatada wins payout for UK detention
T-Mobile USA tests $50 unlimited call plan
| Technology
|
Pope Speaks To Pro-Choice Pelosi About 'Dignity Of Human Life'
New York Post Editorial Cartoon Denounced As Racist
White House: Illinois Deserves To Know Full Extent Of Burris' Contacts With Blagojevich
Clinton says NKorean disarmament stalled
US says NKorea future leadership uncertain
Warning! Oscar can be bad for your career
| Entertainment
|
Ferry capsizes in Bangladesh with 60 onboard
Mickey Rourke loses beloved chihuahua in Oscar week
| Entertainment
|
Japanese woman impregnated with wrong egg
U.S. festival spotlights Arab arts and humanity
| Entertainment
|
Japan scrambles to ease credit crisis
Uighurs denied release in US: court ruling
China approves stimulus for light industry
Oscar for Ledger would go to daughter Matilda
| Entertainment
|
5 more suspects detained in Beijing hotel fire
Iran, Afghanistan pledge to boost bilateral trade
500 Internal Server Error
China calls on Russia to investigate ship incident
Thailand's exports plunge amid global downturn
Thailand hopes new cocktail can lure back tourists
Bank of Taiwan lowers deposit, savings rates
N.Korea accuses U.S. of planning nuclear strike
Hollywood struggles to find wealth on the Web
| Entertainment
|
Pakistani forex reserves rise to $10.37 bln
China calls for return of Guantanamo Bay inmates
Georgians take swipe at Putin with Eurovision entry
| Entertainment
|
ADB likely to cut 2009 Asian growth forecast
Small budgets, big dreams at Spirit Awards
| Entertainment
|
Movie dubber dies, was `voice' of Woody Allen
Japan leaves interest rate on hold amid recession
Taiwan dollar at 5-1/2-yr low, more weakness seen
Coogan catches indie spirit as awards show host
Legal battle erupts over film rights to Tupac's bio
| Entertainment
|
Is `Man on Wire' the best film of the year?
Stiller & Co. prepare for 'Little Fockers'
| Entertainment
|
'The Rock': No plans to return to wrestling ring
NY Post cartoon of dead chimpanzee stirs outrage
Lee in talks to direct 'Life of Pi' adaptation
AP's Bob Thomas wins lifetime achievement award
Ledger poised for Oscar win
Georgia Eurovision entry to poke fun at Putin
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