SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment for South Korean businesses over the economic situation rebounded this month due to improved sentiment among non-manufacturers, central bank data showed Wednesday.
The composite business sentiment index (CBSI) in all industries gained 0.2 points over the month to 94.2 in February after sliding 0.2 points in the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea.
The CBSI among manufacturers fell 0.4 points to 97.1 on lower working days, but the index for non-manufacturers rose 0.5 points to 92.2.
The CBSI continued to stay below the long-term average of 100 amid lingering economic uncertainties.
The result was based on a survey of 1,793 manufacturers and 1,436 non-manufacturers conducted between Feb. 5 and 12.
Manufacturers selected weak domestic demand, economic uncertainty and higher raw material prices as key barriers to doing business, while non-manufacturers picked faltering consumer demand, uncertain economic situation and higher labor costs.
The economic sentiment index, which reflects sentiment among both businesses and consumers, stood at 98.8 in February, up 4.8 points from a month earlier. ■
