Bank of Korea deputy chief says monetary policy to be made 'very carefully'

SEOUL, Aug 21 : The new deputy chief of the Bank of Korea said on Friday that monetary policy decisions would be made 'very carefully' and flexibly if needed, taking into account various policy factors including the side effects of rate hikes. "Economic growth and inflation will have to be considered, as well as the aspect of financial stability, while there could also be policy effects as well as side effects from raising interest rates," Senior Deputy Governor Kwon Min-soo told reporters on the first day of his three-year term. "It is time to make policy decisions very carefully, and flexibly if needed," he said. Earlier on Friday, Kwon said economic growth was improving more strongly than expected, while inflation was exceeding the bank's target and financial stability risks remained. H