[경제읽기] 한은, 기준금리 0.25%p 인상…코스피 또 출렁 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Guest: Economic Critic Kwon Hyuk-joong] This is 'Reading the Economy,' a segment where we try to explain current economic issues in an accessible way. Today, we will discuss various economic issues with Economic Critic Kwon Hyuk-joong. [Question 1] Let's start with the interest rate news. As previously announced, the Bank of Korea raised the base rate today by 0.25 percentage points, from 2.5% to 2.75%. This marks the first monetary tightening in three years and six months. However, the market is focusing on whether rates will be raised again next month, and if so, by how much. Some analysts suggest we could move directly from a "baby step" to a "big step." What is your outlook? [Question 1-1] If the base rate rises, loan interest rates will likely increase further. In particular, the principal and interest on mortgages are expected to increase by an average of over 6 million won annually. While raising interest rates is necessary to curb inflation, there are concerns that the burden on borrowers and the stock market will increase. [Question 2] Let's also discuss single-stock leverage. Recently, single-stock leverage has been identified as a factor further increasing stock market volatility. The scale of losses for individual investors is also snowballing. Looking at the ETF products that saw their returns decline over the past month, 9 out of 10 were leverage products; is it true that half of the investment capital has been wiped out? [Question 2-1] Amidst this, President Lee Jae-myung stated during a Blue House briefing yesterday, "Prepare swift corrective measures regarding single-stock leverage." The securities industry has also embarked on self-regulation, such as raising minimum deposit requirements and diversifying rebalancing. Could these measures serve as a way to reduce market volatility? [Question 3] Let's also look at stock market news. The KOSPI, which recovered the 7,000 mark yesterday for the first time in three trading days, is fluctuating again today. The KOSPI, which started with a sharp drop of over 4%, is now widening its losses further. Last night, the New York stock market rose across the board, driven by slowing producer prices and the strength of Big Tech stocks. Why is it that only our stock market remains in turmoil? [Question 4] Let's also look at the news regarding Homeplus. A possibility for recovery has opened up for Homeplus, which was on the brink of bankruptcy. MBK, the major shareholder of Homeplus, has decided to provide a joint guarantee for a loan of 200 billion won in emergency operating funds to help revive the company. Meritz, the largest creditor, has not yet reached a board resolution. What will the outcome be? Also, what are the remaining variables? ▣ Subscribe to 'Docu-Digging,' Yonhap News TV's specialized documentary channel    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV YouTube Channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ The Beginning of Korean News, Yonhap News TV / Yonhap News TV http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/