The business survey index (BSI) for October–December stood at 86, up 6 points from the previous quarter. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry surveyed 2,413 manufacturers nationwide. A reading below 100 means pessimists outnumber optimists; a score above that benchmark indicates the reverse.
The semiconductor sector’s index reached 139, its highest level since the survey began, and remained above 100 for a fourth consecutive quarter. Cosmetics rose 20 points to 120, while medical and precision equipment gained 28 points to 108.
Improving expectations have not eased concerns about earnings. Some 60.4 percent of companies expect this year’s operating profits to fall short of targets set at the start of the year. Respondents mainly cited higher production costs as raw-material and energy prices remain elevated.