Seoul: South Korea's money supply increased for the sixth consecutive month in September, driven by an inflow of investment-related funds amid a strong domestic stock market, central bank data showed Wednesday. The country's M2, a key measure of the money supply, stood at 4,430.5 trillion won (US$3.02 trillion) in September, marking a 0.7 percent increase from the previous month, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the figure has been on a constant increase since April. Compared to a year earlier, the money supply saw an 8.5 percent jump in September. The M2 is a measure that includes cash, demand deposits, and other easily convertible financial instruments.

Investment trust funds increased by 5.7 trillion won in September compared to the previous month, while demand deposits rose by 9.5 trillion won, significantly higher than the 3.7 trillion-won increase recorded in August. Additionally, installment and savings deposits with free withdrawals also saw a rise of 6.8 trillion won.

A BOK official noted, "The increase reflected the balance sheet management at the end of the quarter and the inflow of funds waiting for investment opportunities."