S.Korean firms' Dec sentiment near 6-yr high -FKI

Published: 29 Nov 2009 17:19:54 PST

SEOUL, Nov 29 - The business outlook among major South Korean companies for December hit its highest mark in nearly six years, a private survey showed on Sunday.

The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the country's biggest lobby group for large companies, said its business survey index rose to a seasonally adjusted 112.7 from 109.5 for November. It was the highest figure since February 2004.

A reading above 100 means most companies expect their business conditions to improve rather than worsen.

The survey was based on responses from 560 large companies.

The federation noted rising raw material prices, the strengthening won <KRW=> currency and expectations of tighter monetary policy were among risks to the corporate outlook. (Reporting by Rhee So-eui; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) ((soeui.rhee@thomsonreuters.com; +82 2 3704 5650; Reuters Messaging: soeui.rhee.reuters.com@reuters.net)) (