Korea: Consumer confidence creeps up in January but remains downbeat
The Bank of Korea’s composite consumer sentiment index rose to 97.5 points in January from a revised 96.9 points in December (previously reported: 97.2 point). Despite the increase, the index reading remained notably below the 100-point threshold that separates pessimism from optimism among households.
The uptick in consumer confidence in January came primarily on the back of improved household opinions of domestic economic conditions, both current and future. Furthermore, consumer views on current living standards and future income levels increased slightly in January. Households had unchanged perspectives on future living standards and spending levels in January.