SEOUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment among South Korean businesses over economic conditions improved for the second consecutive month, central bank data showed Tuesday.
The business sentiment index (BSI) stood at 74 in April, up 1 point from the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The reading below 100 means pessimists outnumbering optimists.
The index gained for two straight months, after advancing 4 points in March.
The BSI among manufacturers rose 2 points over the month to 75 in April due mainly to seasonally strong demand for oil products and higher crude oil price.
The figure for electronic and relevant equipment producers declined 3 points this month on lower chip price.
The BSI among non-manufacturers inched up 1 point from a month earlier to 74 in April. The reading for builders climbed 4 points on seasonal demand in springtime.
The prospective BSI for May came in at 77, up 1 point from the prior month.
