International News 24 October 2025
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Bank of Korea Holds Rates Amid Soaring Housing Prices and Weak Won
The Bank of Korea (BOK) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50% on Thursday (Oct 23, 2025), as rising housing prices and a weakening won against the U.S. dollar limited room for further monetary easing. The decision, supported by 33 of 35 economists surveyed by Reuters, reflects the central bank’s cautious stance in balancing economic support and financial stability. Policymakers have cut rates by a total of 100 basis points since October 2024 to cushion the economy from trade uncertainties and policy disruptions under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Analysts expect one final rate cut in November before a prolonged pause, citing growing risks from Seoul’s overheated property market and currency depreciation pressures tied to a $350 billion Korea-U.S. investment fund. Citi economist Kim Jin Woo noted that surging apartment prices, a resilient memory-chip upcycle, and structural housing demand have made further easing unlikely. In response, President Lee Jae Myung’s government introduced its third property market restriction in four months, as Seoul’s home price-to-income ratio now exceeds that of London and Sydney. Governor Rhee Chang-yong is scheduled to address the decision in a live YouTube press conference at 02:10 GMT.
Global Finance Leaders Convene as IMF Warns of Rising Trade Risks
Central bank governors and finance officials gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, which conclude Saturday. The discussions center on growing global economic challenges, amid IMF warnings over the rising risks from U.S. tariff and protectionist policies. Established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, the IMF now has 191 member countries and serves as the “lender of last resort” for nations facing financial crises. Funded through member quotas totaling around US$1 trillion, the IMF provides financial assistance in exchange for economic reforms such as fiscal tightening and structural adjustments — policies often criticized for worsening social inequality. As of October 2025, total outstanding IMF loans amount to SDR 118.9 billion (US$162 billion), with Argentina, Ukraine, and Egypt accounting for nearly half. Argentina remains the IMF’s largest debtor with SDR 41.8 billion (US$57 billion) in loans, followed by Ukraine’s SDR 10.4 billion and Egypt’s SDR 6.9 billion. Argentina’s dependency on IMF bailouts spans decades, most recently with a US$20 billion package approved in April 2025 to combat inflation and a weak peso. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s borrowing surged after the 2022 Russian invasion, and Egypt continues to rely on IMF support amid inflation and foreign reserve shortages. Despite their scale, IMF loans generally make up only a small portion of national debt, though in smaller economies like Suriname and the Central African Republic, they exceed 9% of GDP.
Singapore to Roll Out New Stock Market Incentives to Boost Shareholder Value
Singapore will launch a new round of stock market incentives next month to help listed companies enhance shareholder value and strengthen investor engagement, Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Chee Hong Tat announced. The measures will include government grants and build on September’s “value unlock” package, part of a broader regional push—mirroring efforts in Japan, Korea, and Thailand—to improve corporate governance and returns for investors. Chee also revealed that the second wave of fund managers under the S$5 billion (US$3.85 billion) Equity Market Development Programme will be appointed by year-end, featuring a mix of global, regional, and local managers. Chee, who also serves as Minister for National Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable market growth rather than short-term fixes, rejecting proposals to direct sovereign funds like GIC or Temasek to increase local equity investments. Singapore’s benchmark stock index is currently trading near record highs, supported by higher trading volumes and renewed IPO activity, signaling early success from the ongoing reforms. Meanwhile, DBS CEO Tan Su Shan urged bolder action to cement Singapore’s position as a leading global financial hub, calling for a balance between innovation, risk-taking, and the city-state’s hallmark stability and rule of law.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/singapura-siapkan-stimulus-untuk-pasar-saham