South Korean growth beat expectations amid robust domestic demand, boosted by cash handouts and strong asset markets. Yet a slowdown is expected in the fourth quarter as government support wanes and export challenges abound
Strong global demand for AI boosted Korean exports in August while clearer signs of negative impact of US tariffs emerged. Looking forward, fiscal policy is likely to support growth in 2026, mitigating weak external demand and tariff shocks
South Korean manufacturing output, retail sales, and investment increased in July. As fiscal stimulus kicks in, activity is expected to strengthen further in the third quarter. But the boost could prove temporary as tariff headwinds curb exports and increase odds of a Bank of Korea rate cut
Asia week ahead: data to show uptick in inflation in South Korea and Indonesia. CPI data will be released in Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea next week. A rise in inflation is expected, driven by higher oil prices. Elsewhere, China is set to release its PMI and new export orders, while Japan will publish the Tankan survey and industrial production data
