S.Korea c.bank rate policy to focus on growth

SEOUL, Nov 17 - South Korea's central bank sees it as more important to focus on economic growth in future rate policy as it is concerned a hasty rate raise may undermine a recovery, a top central bank official said on Tuesday.

The remarks from Bank of Korea Senior Deputy Governor Kim Jae-chun helped send December Treasury bonds futures <.KTBc1> up as much as 35 ticks.

"There are worries that a rate hike without enough growth momentum in the private sector may deteriorate the recent economic growth," Kim said in a prepared speech for a local forum.

The central bank will manage the policy rate with global coordination, considering the economy, inflation and asset markets, Kim said.

The comments came after the central bank dampened widespread expectations it was ready for an early interest rate rise. [ID:nSEO343674]