The consumer sentiment index for July in Korea was 106.8, rising for three consecutive months. This is because consumers' economic outlook has improved due to the strong semiconductor exports and expectations of wage increases. In particular, as the upward trend in apartment prices in the Seoul metropolitan area continues, the housing price outlook index recorded a high of 127 for the first time in 4 years and 10 months. On the other hand, the current living conditions index fell compared to the previous month due to rising prices and falling stock prices. Expected inflation was 2.7%, down 0.1 percentage points from the previous month, but attention should be paid to future changes in inflation expectations as there is a possibility of an increase in international oil prices due to the recent deterioration of the Middle East situation.
