It appears consumers in South Korea are more willing to open their wallets than they have in recent months.
A new report says that, while unemployment remains a pressing issue,... the majority of consumers think the economy is on the recovery path.
Kim Ji-yeon reports.
South Korea's consumer sentiment rebounded for the first time in four months in September.
Data released by the Bank of Korea on Friday shows its composite consumer sentiment index rose two-and-a-half points to 101-point-seven,... recovering from a dip last month when it fell below the 100-level mainly due to grim unemployment figures released earlier this year.
A reading above 100 means there are more optimists than pessimists about the economy.
An official from the central bank attributed the rise to robust exports, an upbeat stock market and a slowdown in price increases of food and other livelihood expenses.
The official added that data suggests consumers think the worst is over as the government has put forth measures to boost the job market and stabilize prices.
The same data shows consumer sentiment on housing prices has climbed by ten-points to 119 this month,... a near three-year high.
It cited rises in real estate prices in Seoul as well as prices of jeonse, a unique long-term rent in Korea in the form of a lump-sum deposit,... as the main reasons.
It comes after the government unveiled measures this month on curbing speculative housing practices by levying heftier taxes on multiple home owners and limiting the amount they can borrow from banks.
Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.