Citi sees earlier end to Bank of Korea rate hikes if semiconductor exports weaken
Citibank Korea economist Kim Jin-wook said the Bank of Korea could end its hiking cycle at 3.25% after a quarter-point November increase if semiconductor spot prices and exports unexpectedly fall in late 2026 and early 2027. Under that scenario, he forecast quarter-point cuts in each of the third and fourth quarters of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, taking rates to 2.50%. If semiconductor exports remain strong, he maintained his forecast for rates to peak at 3.50%.