South Korea: BOK likely to stay on hold in February to pause and assess previous rate hikes

PPP's Yoon estimated to lead DP's Lee with 5.7pps in an average of 13 polls carried out since start-February

Recent increase in anti-China sentiment due to Beijing Olympics likely to sway voters in favour of Yoon

Biggest unknown before elections remains potential merger of Yoon's campaign with the third-placed Anh's campaign

Yoon, Lee both expected to loosen fiscal policy in short-term if they get elected

Lee has riskier economic programme with his universal basic income pledge

Yoon bets on traditional alliance with US, rebuilding of Japan-Korea ties