S. Korea's business sentiment dips for Sept.

SEOUL, Aug. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's business sentiment for September fell from a month earlier due to growing uncertainties sparked by worries over a U.S. double-dip recession and the persistent eurozone debt crisis, a poll showed Monday.
The monthly business survey index (BSI) for the upcoming month came in at 96.3, down from the 98.9 forecast for August, according to the survey by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the lobbying group of the country's large businesses.
The figure marks the second time in a row that the BSI fell below the break-even 100 mark. It is also the lowest number predicted this year.
A BSI reading below 100 means pessimists outnumber optimists. The poll surveyed the country's 600 largest businesses in terms of sales.
The FKI attributed the weak number to challenges facing the U.S. and Japanese economies, and lingering fiscal problems facing Europe. The sovereign credit ratings for the two leading economies were downgraded in recent weeks, which sent shock waves through the global market.
A steady rise in South Korea's household debt, a recent drop in the stock market and inflationary pressure combined to crimp business sentiment.
"September marks the first time since 2000 that BSI numbers fell under the break even 100 mark in a month that has the Chuseok holiday," the FKI said.
Chuseok is one of the most important holidays in South Korea and usually translates into a boom for businesses because there is a surge in consumer spending with people spending more on food and gifts for family and friends.
By sector, the BSI for the service field fell to 93.7 from 102.2 tallied a month earlier, with the index for manufacturing standing at 98.4.
The survey showed BSI readings for electronics and communications equipment reaching 80.6, with the index for refined petroleum and chemicals reaching 87.8.
The index numbers for domestic sales, exports, investments and hiring all fell below the 100 mark, reflecting the gloomy outlook companies have in regards to business prospects for next month.
yonngong@yna.co.kr