South Korea's business sentiment for the fourth quarter improved, driven by robust exports of semiconductors and cosmetics, Yonhap Agency reported on Sunday, citing a survey by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
The business survey index (BSI) for 2,413 manufacturing companies nationwide came in at 86 for the October-December period, up 6 points from the previous quarter, the news daily said.
The semiconductor sector posted a record-high reading of 139, staying above the benchmark for the fourth consecutive quarter, while cosmetics rose 20 points to 120 and medical and precision equipment gained 28 points to 108, the publication said.
Despite the improving sentiment, 60.4% of companies expect their 2026 operating profits to fall short of targets set at the beginning of the year due to elevated raw material and energy prices, the report said.
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