Survey: Bank of Korea is expected to keep interest rates unchanged.

The Bank of Korea is expected to maintain the benchmark interest rate at 2.50% for the seventh consecutive meeting. All 27 analysts surveyed by the media predicted that the rate would remain unchanged at Friday's policy meeting. Given the leadership change at the Bank of Korea and ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, policymakers may adopt a cautious wait-and-see approach, despite the recent ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, hindering growth and exacerbating inflation risks. Barclays economist Bum Ki Son said outgoing Governor Lee Ju-yeol may leave various options open, allowing incoming Governor Shen Hyeon-sung flexibility before chairing his first rate-setting meeting in May.