South Korea's final gross domestic product (GDP) reading for the second quarter of 2026 came in at +0.6% quarter-on-quarter, in line with expectations of +0.6% and down from the prior quarter's +1.8% expansion, according to data released by investingLive.

On a year-on-year basis, final GDP growth was confirmed at +3.7%, matching the expected figure of +3.7% and up from the prior reading of +3.6%.

The figures represent the final estimate for the April-June period. Quarterly GDP figures in South Korea are typically released in three stages — advance, preliminary, and final — with the final print confirming the pace of economic growth once more complete source data are incorporated. The final estimate is compiled by the Bank of Korea, which publishes the national accounts for the country. A confirmation of the earlier estimate, as seen this quarter, typically carries limited market impact because it contains little new information for traders and policymakers, whereas larger revisions can prompt repricing of rate-expectation bets.

The sharp step-down from the first quarter's +1.8% pace to +0.6% in the second quarter comes amid a year-on-year growth rate that continued to edge higher, from +3.6% to +3.7%. South Korea is a heavily trade-dependent economy, with exports such as semiconductors, automobiles, and petrochemicals forming a significant share of output, making quarterly growth readings sensitive to shifts in global demand.

The release also included catch-up data from New Zealand:

New Zealand Manufacturing Activity Volume, Q2 2026:

• Quarter-on-quarter: +0.8%, following a prior reading of +3.6%

Manufacturing Activity:

• Quarter-on-quarter: +3.1%, following a prior reading of +2.8%

The New Zealand dollar showed little reaction to the data.

Source: investingLive