If consumer confidence shows a slight rise in December, business confidence falls. According to data released by Istat, the consumer confidence climate index went from 117.5 to 117.7 points, while the composite business confidence climate index dropped from 114.8 to 113. , 1.
Istat explains that the modest increase in the consumer confidence index is essentially due to an improvement in the personal climate (from 110.0 to 110.4) and in the current climate (from 115.2 to 115.6). The economic and future climate, on the other hand, worsened slightly (the relative indices fell, respectively, from 139.8 to 139.6 and from 121.0 to 120.8). As for businesses, the confidence index is decreasing in the manufacturing industry (from 115.9 to 115.2) and in market services (from 111.3 to 110.2) while it is increasing in construction (from 157.4 to 159.1) and in the retail trade (from 106.8 to 107.4).
“In December the business confidence index decreased, remaining however at historically high levels. The lowering of the index level is connected to a worsening of expectations on production in the manufacturing sector, those on orders in services and on employment at construction companies. On the other hand, there has been a widespread improvement in opinions on current demand – underlines Istat -. The consumer confidence index records a slight increase favored by the improvement in opinions on the general economic situation, on the family budget and on the current opportunity to purchase durable goods. The expectations on the family economic situation also show a positive dynamic “.