韩国央行“四连降”，下调经济预期，预计还有更多降息

Group 1 - The Bank of Korea has lowered the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%, marking the lowest level since August 2022 and the fourth rate cut in the last six meetings [1][4] - The central bank has significantly revised its GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 1.5% to 0.8%, indicating a serious economic downturn [1][4] - Political instability and trade pressures are cited as major factors contributing to the economic challenges, including the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and potential tariffs from the Trump administration [1][4] Group 2 - Following the central bank's decision, the KOSPI index increased by 1.7%, while the Korean won depreciated by 0.71% against the US dollar, trading at 1381.40 [2] - The central bank's monetary policy statement emphasizes the need to maintain a dovish stance to mitigate economic growth risks while closely monitoring domestic and international policy changes [4] - Economic fundamentals have deteriorated sharply, with a surprising 0.1% contraction in GDP in the first quarter, marking the first negative growth since Q4 2020 [4][6]