South Korean manufacturers' business sentiment has improved to its highest level in nearly five years.
 
According to the Bank of Korea(BOK)’s monthly business survey index(BSI) released on Friday, the index among local manufacturers came to 83 this month, up by four points from March.
 
It marks the fourth consecutive month the BSI has gained, lifting the index to tie with a level last seen in May of 2012.
 
The index for large-sized companies jumped by three points to 88, while that for small- and mid-sized enterprises gained four points to 75.
 
The indices for exporters and domestic sellers stood at 86 and 81, respectively, rising by four points and three points each.
 
The BSI measures corporate confidence. A figure of more than 100 means optimists outnumber pessimists.