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South Korea Q2 GDP Up 0.6%—Beat Forecast, Rate Hike Looms

7/23/2026

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Story summary

South Korea's economy grew 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, beating the Reuters poll estimate of 0.4%.
The Bank of Korea reported real GDP growth of 0.6%, exports up 1.4% on semiconductors, machinery and equipment, and construction investment down 0.2%.
Governor Shin Hyun-song said the bank will weigh Q2 real GDI growth before a rate hike next month, with analysts expecting an increase that could lift the policy rate to 3.00%.

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Story summary

South Korea's economy grew 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, beating the Reuters poll estimate of 0.4%.
The Bank of Korea reported real GDP growth of 0.6%, exports up 1.4% on semiconductors, machinery and equipment, and construction investment down 0.2%.
Governor Shin Hyun-song said the bank will weigh Q2 real GDI growth before a rate hike next month, with analysts expecting an increase that could lift the policy rate to 3.00%.