SEOUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment of South Korean businesses over the economic situation rebounded this month due to export growth and higher housing transactions, central bank data showed Wednesday.

The composite business sentiment index (CBSI) in all industries gained 1.4 points over the month to 86.7 in March, turning around in five months, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK).

The index kept hovering below the long-term average of 100 amid lingering economic uncertainties.

The CBSI among manufacturers rose 1.8 points to 91.9 in March compared to the previous month on improved export of semiconductors, mobile devices and cars.

The index for non-manufacturers added 1.2 points to 82.9 owing to higher housing transactions and other seasonal factors.

The results were based on a survey of 1,858 manufacturers and 1,450 non-manufacturers conducted between March 11 and 18.

Both manufacturers and non-manufacturers selected sluggish domestic demand, economic uncertainties and higher labor costs as key barriers to doing business.

The economic sentiment index (ESI), which reflects sentiment among both businesses and consumers, stood at 87.2 in March, down 3.0 points from a month earlier. Enditem

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