FX.co ★ Italy Consumer Confidence Rises To 4-Month High, Business Morale Improves

Italy witnessed a boost in consumer confidence in January, reaching its highest point in four months, while composite business confidence rose for the second consecutive month, according to data released by the statistical office, Istat, on Wednesday.

The consumer sentiment index increased to 98.2 in January, up from 96.3 in December, outperforming the expected figure of 96.0. This upward trajectory reflects a comprehensive improvement in perceptions, notably concerning the general economic outlook and future expectations.

The economic climate index saw a significant rise, reaching 101.3 in January from 96.1 in December, while the future climate index climbed to 96.1 from 93.3. Similarly, the personal climate index showed an improvement, increasing to 97.1 from 96.4, and the current climate index rose from 98.6 to 99.8.

Additionally, the composite business confidence index advanced to a nine-month peak of 95.7 in January, compared to 95.3 in the previous month. This increase is largely driven by the industrial sector, with the manufacturing index climbing to 86.8 from 85.9. The construction sector also saw a notable rise in confidence, with its index moving from 100.9 to 104.2.

Conversely, the market services confidence indicator declined slightly, dropping to 99.0 from 99.6, and retail trade sentiment saw a minor decrease to 106.5 from 106.9.