S. Korea extends current account surplus in Aug. amid solid exports

What happened: South Korea posted a current account surplus in August, its second highest on record, on strong exports amid a global semiconductor upcycle, the Bank of Korea said. Key numbers: August surplus $46.1 billion, up $4 billion from July and $36.2 billion year on year. Second largest after $49.73 billion in June. Why it matters: The BOK said the figures are in line with its forecast of a $450 billion annual surplus, but warned that oil price volatility from the Middle East war and the semiconductor sector's path will shape whether the trend continues.

South Korea posted a current account surplus in August, its second highest on record, on strong exports amid a global semiconductor upcycle, the Bank of Korea said.

The BOK said the figures are in line with its forecast of a $450 billion annual surplus, but warned that oil price volatility from the Middle East war and the semiconductor sector's path will shape whether the trend continues.