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Biz sentiment rebounds in February on improved nonmanufacturing performance: Survey

Published: 25 Feb. 2026, 17:07

Containers ready for export are stacked at a port in Busan on Feb. 22. [YONHAP]

Business sentiment in Korea rebounded in February, driven by improved performance in the nonmanufacturing sector, a central bank survey showed Wednesday.

The Composite Business Sentiment Index (CBSI) for all industries stood at 94.2 this month, up 0.2 point from January, according to the survey conducted by the Bank of Korea (BOK).

The index had risen for two consecutive months to reach 94.2 in December, its highest level since July 2024, before edging down to 94 in January.

The reading for manufacturers fell 0.4 point to 91.1 in February, amid a reduced number of working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday, while the index for nonmanufacturers rose 0.5 point to 92.2.

A reading below 100 indicates that pessimists outnumber optimists.

"The improved sentiment in the nonmanufacturing sector came as expectations for an increase in apartment supply grew and investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure expanded," a BOK official said.

The survey, conducted earlier this month, covered 3,229 companies, including 1,793 manufacturers.

Yonhap