S.Korea's business sentiment hits 22-month low

Source: Xinhua | 2018-10-31

Sentiment among South Korean businesses hit the lowest in 22 months, central bank data showed Tuesday.

The business sentiment index (BSI) for all industries stood at 73 in October, down 2 points from the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK).

It was the lowest since December 2016. The reading below 100 indicates pessimists outnumbering optimists.

The decline came amid mounting worry that the global trade conflict would affect the country's export that accounts for about half of the economy.

The BSI among exporters tumbled 5 points over the month to 77 in October, marking the lowest in 22 months. The figure for companies focusing on the domestic market was unchanged at 67.

The BSI among manufacturers dipped 2 points over the month to 71 in October, the lowest in two years.