Domestic companies' economic outlook remains sluggish for 34 consecutive months...the longest ever

South Korean companies' economic outlook has been negative for two years and 10 consecutive months due to the prolonged global economic downturn and impeachment.

The longest period of sluggishness has continued in 50 years since the investigation began.

The Federation of Korean Industries said its forecast for January next year was 84.6 as a result of a survey of the top 600 companies by sales.

If the index is higher than the benchmark 100, it means that the outlook for the economy is positive compared to the previous month and if it is low, it means negative.

The January forecast fell 12.7 points from the previous month and is the biggest drop in four years and nine months since the COVID-19 period.

By industry, the manufacturing industry was 84.2 and the non-manufacturing industry was 84.9, and the economic outlook for next year was all dark.

By survey sector, it was forecast to be negative in all items, including domestic demand, investment, employment, exports, financial conditions, profitability, and inventory.

In particular, domestic demand was the lowest in four years and four months, and exports were the lowest in four years and three months.

The Korea Economic Association said it should do its best to revive the economy, including efforts to stabilize the exchange rate and support to restore industrial vitality.