Korea: Inflation plunges to lowest level since June in September
Consumer prices increased 0.50% in September over the previous month, below August’s 0.63% increase. Looking at the details of the release, prices for transportation dropped after growing in the previous month, while prices for food and non/alcoholic beverages grew at a softer, albeit still marked pace. In addition, prices for recreation and culture also fell. However, prices for housing and utilities rose at a much steeper pace in September.
Inflation came in at 2.5% in September, down from August’s 2.6%. September’s result marked the weakest inflation rate since June. Annual average inflation edged up to 1.6% in September (August: 1.5%). Lastly, core inflation ticked up to 1.9% in September, from August’s 1.8%.