S.Korea exports shock, inflation dips as euro crisis bites

SEOUL, Feb 1 (Reuters) South Korea on Wednesday posted a shock 6.6 percent annual drop in exports for January and saw new export orders fall for a sixth consecutive month as the euro zone crisis and holidays hit, commencing a major election year on a gloomy note.

nflation in January eased more than expected to a 1year low of 3.4 percent on drops in fresh food prices, but looked poised to stay elevated on high oil prices and anticipated hikes in public utility charges, leaving the central bank with little room to ease policy to support the slowing economy.