Korea: Inflation rises in December but remains fairly mild
Latest reading: Inflation came in at 1.9% in December, which was up from November’s 1.5% and above market expectations, but marginally below the Central Bank’s 2.0% inflation target. The rise was broad-based, with greater price pressures recorded for housing and utilities, transportation, and food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Annual average inflation edged down to 2.3% in December (November: 2.4%). Meanwhile, core inflation fell to 1.8% in December from the previous month’s 1.9%.
Lastly, consumer prices increased 0.45% in December over the previous month, contrasting November’s 0.25% fall. December’s result marked the highest reading since February.