SEOUL, Jan 31 (Reuters) - A key measure of how South Korean manufacturing companies assess business conditions in February rose to a 6-month high of 101 from a revised 99 in January, central bank data showed on Monday.
The Bank of Korea's business survey index also came above 100 for the first time in six months, which means companies expecting business conditions to improve in the coming month outnumbered those predicting a deterioration, the data showed.
The figures are adjusted for seasonal patterns, and past records were revised, the Bank of Korea said.
The central bank did not elaborate on the factors behind the improved confidence, but supplementary sub-indices, although not seasonally adjusted, indicated bright export prospects led the rise in the overall index.
The findings were from a survey of 1,581 manufacturing companies across the country, conducted between Jan. 18 and 25, the Bank of Korea said in a statement.
(Reporting by Yoo Choonsik; Editing by Ken Wills)
((choonsik.yoo@thomsonreuters.com; +82 2 3704 5580; Reuters Messaging: choonsik.yoo.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: KOREA ECONOMY/SENTIMENT (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
The Bank of Korea's business survey index also came above 100 for the first time in six months, which means companies expecting business conditions to improve in the coming month outnumbered those predicting a deterioration, the data showed.
The figures are adjusted for seasonal patterns, and past records were revised, the Bank of Korea said.
The central bank did not elaborate on the factors behind the improved confidence, but supplementary sub-indices, although not seasonally adjusted, indicated bright export prospects led the rise in the overall index.
The findings were from a survey of 1,581 manufacturing companies across the country, conducted between Jan. 18 and 25, the Bank of Korea said in a statement.
(Reporting by Yoo Choonsik; Editing by Ken Wills)
((choonsik.yoo@thomsonreuters.com; +82 2 3704 5580; Reuters Messaging: choonsik.yoo.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: KOREA ECONOMY/SENTIMENT (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.