Consumer sentiment rises for 3rd month in July on strong exports, investment plans

Consumer sentiment rose for the third consecutive month in July on strong exports and large-scale investment plans, the central bank said Tuesday. The composite consumer sentiment index stood at 106.8 this month, up 0.2 points from June, according to a survey by the Bank of Korea. The index has risen for three straight months since May and stayed over the 100-point mark over the three-month period. A reading above 100 indicates that optimists outnumber pessimists, while a figure below 100 sugges