SEOUL, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment among South Korean businesses over the economic situation remained low this month due to mixed expectations from manufacturers and non-manufacturers, central bank data showed Wednesday.
The business sentiment index (BSI) stood at 85 in May, unchanged from the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The reading below 100 indicates pessimists outnumbering optimists.
The BSI among non-manufacturers rose 1 point over the month to 86 in May, marking the highest in over 11 years since December 2010.
It came as the government lifted all anti-COVID-19 measures except an indoor mask mandate, and encouraged people to resume outside activities such as eating-out, travel and shopping.
The BSI among manufacturers dipped 1 point to 86 in the cited month amid the higher commodity prices caused by geopolitical risks in Europe. ■