South Korea’s manufacturing Business Survey Indicator fell to 81 in September from 82 in August, remaining well below the 100 threshold that separates optimism from pessimism. The reading suggests manufacturers continue to face weak confidence amid concerns about export demand, domestic consumption, global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainty. The previous August survey showed production slipping to 92 from 93, new orders unchanged at 92, inventories falling to 100 from 101 and the financial situation index improving to 82 from 81. A separate manufacturing Composite Business Sentiment Index rose 0.6 points to 103.8 in August, while the index for the following month increased 2.0 points to 102.5. Because manufacturing is central to South Korea’s output, employment and exports, prolonged pessimism could weigh on investment, hiring and industrial activity. The Bank of Korea’s policy decisions will be watched as it balances growth support with price stability.