Citi: Bank of Korea may cut rates faster and more aggressively

Citigroup economist Jin-Wook Kim stated in a report that the Bank of Korea may cut interest rates faster and more significantly to address weaker-than-expected economic growth. Kim stated that the Bank of Korea is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in January, April, and July of 2025.

Previously, the Bank of Korea began a loose monetary policy by lowering the benchmark interest rate from 3.50% to 3.25% on October 11th. This was one month earlier than Citigroup's previous prediction, according to Kim. He also pointed out that the central bank may cut interest rates twice more in 2026 - possibly in January and July - to lower the policy rate to 2.00%, lower than Citigroup's previous prediction of 2.50%.