South Korea’s consumer confidence ticked up in February 2026, according to the Thomson Reuters IPSOS Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI), pointing to a modest improvement in household sentiment. The index rose to 45.89 in February from 44.81 in January 2026, on a month-over-month basis.
The February reading, updated as of 13 February 2026, indicates that consumers are slightly more optimistic than in the previous month, though sentiment remains below the 50-point threshold that typically separates pessimism from optimism. The data compare the current month’s change to January, while January’s reading itself reflected a comparison with December, allowing observers to track the momentum of consumer perceptions over time.
Analysts and market participants follow the Thomson Reuters IPSOS PCSI closely as an early gauge of consumer views on the economy, personal finances, and employment. The latest uptick in South Korea’s index may signal a cautious improvement in expectations, which could have implications for domestic demand and broader economic activity if the trend continues in the coming months.
