Foreign exchange experts surveyed by The Seoul Economic Daily identified the low-to-mid 1,300-won range per dollar as a level that could balance South Korea's growth and inflation. Eleven of 20 respondents selected a rate in the 1,300-won range, while 14 said a stronger won would benefit the economy by lowering import and energy costs and improving household purchasing power. The won-dollar rate has swung sharply this year, rising from 1,441.8 won at the start of the year to a high of 1,555.8 won on July 2, falling to 1,336.1 won on Sept. 9 and rebounding to 1,383.3 won on the 18th. Experts said volatility itself is creating uncertainty for corporate hedging and investment decisions. They viewed U.S. 10-year Treasury yields around 5.5% as a potential threat to U.S. growth and global financial conditions, while noting that the economic impact depends on whether higher yields reflect stronger real rates or an expanded fiscal term premium. Fifteen respondents expected the Bank of Korea Monetary Policy Board to hold its base rate in October, compared with four who forecast a hike.