FX.co ★ South Korea Business Mood Hits Near 2-Year High

South Korea’s Business Survey Index (BSI) for the manufacturing sector rose to 74 in April 2026, up from 71 in March, marking its highest level since June 2024 and indicating a broad improvement in operating conditions. The production index held steady at 88, in line with March and close to recent peaks, while the new orders index inched up to 85 from 84, pointing to a modest strengthening in demand. At the same time, the inventories index declined to 97 from 99, reflecting lower stock levels amid firmer sales, whereas the financial situation index edged down to 76 from 77, suggesting that financing conditions remained somewhat tight. By contrast, the Economic Sentiment Index—which combines the BSI and the Consumer Survey Index—fell to 91.7 in April, a decrease of 2.3 points from March, indicating a softening in overall economic confidence.