Asia Morning Bites For Thursday, Nov 28

G7 Macro: The data in focus was the US October core PCE deflator, which came in at 0.3% MoM, and 2.8% YoY – in line with the Bloomberg consensus and our expectations. Other data was also solid. Weekly applications for US unemployment benefits came in lower than expected. The market moves then appear to indicate that with inflation coming in line with expectations, the market expects the Fed will cut 25bps in December rather than not.

Australia: The latest October monthly inflation figures for Australia delivered a 2.1%YoY inflation rate, lower than expected. Markets weren’t particularly moved by the numbers, likely because electricity subsidies had a big role to play (about 1.3pp contribution to headline) in the softer reading. Core inflation, where the RBA is probably focused more than headline rates inched higher to 3.5% (from 3.2%). Bottomline – the RBA won’t be in a rush to cut rates, and we think 1Q25 is the earliest they can ease, with a good probability that this gets pushed out further. Governor Michelle Bullock will speak later today.

South Korea: The Bank of Korea (BoK) meets today, and we expect them to keep the key rate at 3.25%. Looking at the market consensus, 18 out of 22 economists call for a rate hold and just 4 are calling for a 25bp cut. Although the majority of market participants expect no rate action today, overall market views on the BoK outlook are mixed. One side argues that the BoK should act preemptively before global headwinds hit the economy, as domestic demand conditions are already weak with inflation now below 2%. The other side argues that cutting rates too quickly could put more depreciation pressure on the won. We are in the latter camp. We believe that the BoK will closely monitor both capital flows and real economic conditions for now.