{
  "id": 10126039,
  "title": "Biz sentiment for Q4 improves on robust semiconductor, cosmetics exports: poll",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/biz-sentiment-for-q4-improves-on-robust-semiconductor-cosmetics",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-27T03:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20260927/biz-sentiment-for-q4-improves-on-robust-semiconductor-cosmetics-exports-poll"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The business sentiment in South Korea for the fourth quarter of 2021 improved, driven by strong exports of semiconductors and cosmetics, according to a survey released on Sunday. The business survey index (BSI) for 2,413 manufacturing companies across the country reached 86 for the October-December period, an increase of 6 points from the previous quarter, as reported by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). A score below 100 signifies that pessimists outnumber optimists, while a figure above 100 indicates the opposite. In the semiconductor sector, the index for the fourth quarter was 139, the highest reading since the survey began, and it remained above the benchmark for the fourth straight quarter. The cosmetics sector saw its index rise by 20 points to 120, while the medical and precision equipment sector experienced a 28-point increase to 108. Despite the positive business sentiment, however, 60.4% of companies anticipated their operating profits for the year would fall short of the targets they set at the start of the year, primarily due to higher production costs resulting from increased raw material and energy prices.",
  "summary": "Korea's business sentiment improved for the fourth quarter of this year on robust exports of semiconductors and cosmetics, a survey showed Sunday. The business survey index (BSI) for 2,413 manufacturing companies nationwide stood at 86 for the October-December period, up 6 points from the previous quarter, according to the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). A reading below 100 means…",
  "key_points": [
    "Business sentiment in South Korea improves for Q4 2021",
    "Semiconductors and cosmetics exports boost the index",
    "60.4% of companies expect profits below targets due to costs"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Improved business sentiment in South Korea signals a shift towards optimism among manufacturers, particularly in the semiconductor and cosmetics sectors, though most companies still expect to miss their annual profit targets.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Biz sentiment for Q4 improves on robust semiconductor, cosmetics exports: poll",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/biz-sentiment-for-q4-improves-on-robust-semiconductor-cosmetics-10126419",
        "published": "2026-09-27T03:00:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Biz sentiment for Q4 improves on robust semiconductor, cosmetics exports: poll",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/biz-sentiment-for-q4-improves-on-robust-semiconductor-cosmetics-10129253",
        "published": "2026-09-27T03:57:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}