Korea: Inflation recedes in December
Consumer prices rose 0.16% from the previous month in December, swinging from the 0.10% fall logged in November. The rebound was broad-based, with greater price pressures recorded for housing and utilities, transportation, and food and non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, prices for recreation and culture fell at a more modest pace.
Inflation came in at 0.5% in December, following November’s 0.6%. Accordingly, the trend pointed down mildly, with annual average inflation coming in at 0.5% in December (November: 0.6%). Lastly, core inflation fell to 0.9% from November’s 1.0%.