A private think tank based in Korea forecasts the local economy to grow 2-point-8-percent this year,... a rate that would fall short of the 3 percent projected by the International Monetary Fund and the Korean government.<br /> In its latest report, the Hyundai Research Institute stuck with the estimate it made late last year... but said the risks to growth have varied over the months.<br />It noted that the geopolitical risks stemming from nuclear and missile provocations by North Korea have somewhat subsided compared to the latter half of last year.<br /> But on the other hand, it said Korean exports could be affected by a possible global trade war and unfavorable currency conditions,... while domestic consumption could be hit by rising household debt.<br />To counter those risks, the institute pointed to job creation as a mid-to-long term solution. <br />
