The Bank of Korea (BOK) has signaled heightened uncertainty surrounding the future direction of **US monetary policy**, especially with the upcoming tenure of new **Federal Reserve** Chair Kevin Warsh. This escalating concern comes amidst a backdrop of surging **oil prices** and persistent **inflationary pressures**.
During a recent meeting to assess global **market conditions**, BOK Senior Deputy Governor Ryoo Sang-dai highlighted the significant division within the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). He noted a strong emphasis on **inflation** fueled by increasing **oil prices** during their overnight discussions.
Ryoo further elaborated that the impending inauguration of the new **Fed chair** has considerably amplified uncertainty regarding the future trajectory of **US monetary policy**.
This assessment follows the **US central bank’s** decision on Wednesday to maintain its benchmark **interest rate** for the third consecutive time at its latest **rate-setting meeting**.
Notably, this decision proved highly contentious, marked by four officials dissenting – the highest number recorded at a single meeting since 1992, underscoring internal disagreements on the optimal **monetary policy** path.
Adding to global concerns, Ryoo also pointed to growing anxieties about the potential persistence of the **Middle East conflict**, citing challenging negotiations between the US and Iran. He affirmed the **Bank of Korea’s** commitment to rigorously monitoring both domestic and international **risk factors**, assessing their financial and economic ramifications, and implementing timely responses as required.
