MSCI Inc. keeps South Korea classified as an emerging market in its latest market classification review, according to reports. The decision also means MSCI does not initiate a formal process that could, in future stages, consider whether South Korea should be upgraded to developed-market status.
Bloomberg notes that MSCI refrains from starting a formal review that could eventually raise South Korea’s stock market profile, where the market size is described as roughly $5 trillion. NDTV similarly reports that remaining in the emerging-market category is the outcome of the review, and it highlights that an eventual move toward developed-market characteristics—such as more unrestricted capital flows and easier foreign-exchange transactions—could help attract additional global funds.
Both outlets point to the same underlying theme: MSCI’s current classification remains unchanged, while potential changes that align with developed-market criteria are seen as relevant for any future reassessment. The reports do not cite an immediate timetable for a later upgrade review.
