Week Ahead for FX, Bonds to January 2 : U.S. Data -2-

Earlier this week, the central bank cautioned that inflation could exceed its earlier forecast next year if the Korean won continues to weaken against the U.S. dollar. A weaker won usually adds to inflationary pressures as it leads to higher import prices for oil, raw materials and other goods. Trade data for December will also be closely watched, with the country’s exports of semiconductors and overall shipments to the U.S. likely to be in focus. Exports are widely expected to have remained robust after a stronger-than-expected reading of 8.4% growth in November, backed by AI-related chip demand and a trade…