South Korea Sees Increase in Business Sentiment
The composite business sentiment index (CBSI) edged up 0.2 points to 94.2 in February, partially recovering from an equal decline recorded the prior month, according to the Bank of Korea. The figures were drawn from a survey of 1,793 manufacturers and 1,436 non-manufacturers conducted between February 5 and 12.
The divergence between sectors was stark. The manufacturing CBSI slipped 0.4 points to 97.1, weighed down by a reduction in working days, while the non-manufacturing index climbed 0.5 points to 92.2, providing the primary lift to the headline reading.
Despite the monthly improvement, the overall index remained below the long-term benchmark of 100, reflecting the persistence of broader economic uncertainties that continue to cloud the business outlook.
Manufacturers pointed to sluggish domestic demand, economic unpredictability, and rising raw material costs as the chief obstacles to operations. Non-manufacturers, meanwhile, flagged weakening consumer spending, an uncertain economic climate, and mounting labor expenses as their primary concerns.
On a wider measure, the economic sentiment index — which incorporates the views of both businesses and consumers — rose 4.8 points to 98.8 in February, signaling a more meaningful improvement in overall economic confidence relative to the previous month.
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