South Korean Consumer Confidence Holds Above Neutral Despite Economic Pressures
South Korean consumer sentiment remained optimistic for the eighth consecutive month in December, with the index settling at 109.9—a slight dip from November's eight-year high but firmly above the neutral threshold of 100. The Bank of Korea's report underscores resilient household confidence despite mounting inflationary pressures and financial market volatility.
Rising prices and currency fluctuations have tempered sentiment but failed to erode the broader Optimism fueling durable growth in consumer spending. The data suggests households are weathering economic uncertainty better than in prior downturns, with wages and working hours likely to benefit from sustained demand.