The U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points early Thursday morning, lowering the target range to 4.25% to 4.5%, marking its third consecutive rate reduction this year. While the cut met market expectations, Fed chairman Jerome Powell signaled a slower pace of future rate cuts, citing lingering inflationary pressures and strong economic data. Global markets reacted sharply, with U.S. Treasury yields rising and the dollar gaining strength.

South Korea’s finance ministry responded with assurances of 24-hour market monitoring and swift stabilization measures if volatility escalates. Finance minister Choi Sang-mok emphasized bold intervention if needed and announced plans to strengthen foreign exchange market liquidity and improve trading infrastructure in 2025. This aligns with Choi’s previous remarks since President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration that the government will provide “unlimited” liquidity injections to stabilize markets.