S.Koreans upbeat on building prices, interest rates

SEOUL, Sept 25 - South Korean consumer sentiment on housing and building prices hit its highest in September since the central bank began compiling data, and sentiment on interest rates also touched its strongest in 14 months, data showed.

The country's key consumer sentiment index held steady at a seven-year high of 14 in September from August, the Bank of Korea said on Friday in a statement, adding to evidence of a recovery in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Sentiment on housing and commercial buildings in September gained for a ninth consecutive month to 112, the highest since the central bank started compiling the index in July 2008.

September's consumer index for interest rates also rose for an eighth month to 132, the highest since July 2008.

The data came after the central bank said it was ready to raise interest rates to help calm property prices despite heavy pressure from the government for caution. [ID:nSEO240935]