The Korea Development Institute says the local economy has remained "stagnant" for seven consecutive months.<br />In its monthly report released today, the think-tank said growth is being weighed by sluggish exports and investments,... despite an uptick in consumption.<br />Korea's exports in September tumbled nearly 12 percent on-year amid a slowing global economy.<br />Production of electronic components and cars also fell around 17 percent and 12 percent, respectively.<br />Although consumption rose, it may have been a one-off gain due to an early thanksgiving holiday this year that boosted retail sales in August.<br />The rise was also attributed to increasing tourism to Jeju Island,... with many travelers boycotting trips to Japan amid the Seoul-Tokyo trade dispute.<br />
