SEOUL, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment among South Korean consumers over economic situations hit a 15-month low this month on rising worry about global trade conflict, central bank data showed Wednesday.
The composite consumer sentiment index (CCSI) stood at 101.0 in July, down 4.5 points from the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK).
It was the lowest figure since April last year, keeping a downward trend for two straight months. The figure above 100 indicates optimists outnumber pessimists.
Concerns mounted over trade conflict between major economies, which was triggered by the Trump administration imposing heavy tariffs on imports recklessly.
It encouraged other foreign governments to levy duties on products of U.S. companies, stoking worry that the U.S. protectionist moves would reduce global trade and slump recovery.
The worsening labor market conditions also contributed to the weaker consumer sentiment. The year-over-year job growth stood merely at 106,000 in June, after posting 72,000 in the previous month.
Inflation expectations, which reflect expectations for consumer price inflation in the next 12 months, stood steady at 2.6 percent in July from a year earlier.
