South Korean Won Declines Amid Political Crisis
Investing.com– Most Asian currencies drifted lower on Monday with the South Korean won leading losses amid an intensified political crisis in the country, while the U.S. dollar was largely steady ahead of a key inflation report due this week.
Investors’ appetite for riskier assets was also eroded by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, after rebel forces in Syria ousted President Bashar al-Assad and took control of Damascus.
Media reports said al-Assad and his family landed in Moscow, and have been granted asylum, while Israeli forces had entered Syria.
S. Korean won remains near 2-yr low
The South Korean won’s pair climbed nearly 1% on Monday, hovering near its two-year high mark. The currency had depreciated more than 2% against the U.S. dollar last week.
The won is the worst performing currency in the region, having fallen nearly 10% in 2024 so far.
South Korea’s political crisis intensified after prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday, over his failed attempt to impose martial law in the country last week. Yoon survived an impeachment vote in the opposition-controlled parliament on Saturday, but the head of his own party said that Yoon would be sidelined before eventually resigning.
Asian currencies, which were already subdued due to a strengthening dollar and fears of a U.S.-China trade war under incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, have been further pressured by the political instability in South Korea. The country is seen as a pillar of the East Asian economy.
The Taiwan dollar’s pair rose 0.3%, while the Singapore dollar’s pair inched 0.1% higher.
The Australian dollar’s pair was largely unchanged before a Reserve Bank rate decision on Tuesday. The RBA is expected to keep rates unchanged but may temper its hawkish stance amid signs of weakening economic conditions in Australia.
The Indian rupee’s pair ticked up 0.1% after the Reserve Bank of India cut a key bank reserve ratio on Friday to boost liquidity amid signs of a cooling Indian economy.
Japan GDP, China CPI in Focus
The Japanese yen’s pair was largely unchanged as investors remain divided on whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will hike rates next week, after Monday’s economic growth reading.
Revised (GDP) data showed that Japanese economy grew slightly more than expected in the third quarter. However, the reading was well below prior quarter’s rise.
The Chinese yuan’s onshore pair rose 0.3%, after data showed that Chinese contracted more than anticipated in November, despite recent stimulus efforts. in November also remained subdued.
Focus this week will be on China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) for cues on more stimulus measures from the country’s central bank.
Dollar Steady Ahead of US Inflation, Fed Expected to Cut Rates Next Week
The inched 0.1% higher, while were also rose slightly in Asia hours.
U.S. inflation data for November is due on Wednesday, and could provide insights on Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory.
Markets are expecting a 25 basis points cut by the Fed next week, even after data on Friday showed that grew more than expected in November.
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Analysis:
In this comprehensive update on the Asian currency market, the article highlights the impact of the intensified political crisis in South Korea on the region’s currencies. The South Korean won’s significant decline and the country’s political instability have raised concerns among investors, affecting other currencies in the region.
Additionally, the focus on Japan’s GDP growth and China’s CPI data provides insights into the economic performance of these key Asian economies. The article also sheds light on the expectations surrounding the U.S. dollar, with upcoming inflation data and the anticipated rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
Overall, the article emphasizes the interconnectedness of global economies and the importance of monitoring political developments and economic indicators to make informed investment decisions. This information is crucial for individuals looking to understand how international events can impact their financial future and the broader economic landscape.