South Korea’s unadjusted October exports jump 93.7% as chip shipments surge

South Korea’s October exports rose 93.7% from a year earlier on an unadjusted basis, led by a 259% jump in chip shipments. Adjusted growth was 76.1%, and shipments totaled $115.3 billion. The trade surplus reached $42.5 billion. Strong trade data add to the case for a possible November interest-rate increase, but weak household demand complicates the Bank of Korea’s decision.