The Bank of Korea reported that the Composite Business Sentiment Index for all industries fell 0.5 points to 99.1 in September 2026, indicating sentiment remained below its long-term average. The outlook for October was unchanged at 99.6, reflecting weaker manufacturing expectations offset by an improvement in non-manufacturing. Manufacturing sentiment dropped 4.3 points to 99.5, with declines in business conditions, production and new orders. Its October outlook fell 1.4 points to 101.1. Non-manufacturing sentiment rose 2.2 points to 98.9, while its outlook increased 1 point to 98.6. The broader Economic Sentiment Index, which combines business and consumer sentiment, gained 0.5 points to 99.9, and its cyclical component rose 0.7 points to 98.3.
Source: 2026-09-29Bank of Korea
Bank of Korea reports weaker September business sentiment as manufacturing declines
The Bank of Korea’s Composite Business Sentiment Index fell 0.5 points to 99.1 in September 2026 as a sharp manufacturing decline outweighed stronger non-manufacturing sentiment. The October outlook was unchanged at 99.6, while the broader Economic Sentiment Index rose 0.5 points to 99.9.