BOJ keeps interest rates flat, but flags rate hikes on rising inflation, GDP
Investing.com -- Italian consumer confidence rebounded in July to 97.2 from 96.1 in June, reaching its highest level since February, according to data released by national statistics institute ISTAT on Friday.
The consumer confidence reading significantly exceeded analyst expectations, with a Reuters poll of seven analysts predicting a median forecast of 96.0.
In contrast, the composite business morale index, which combines surveys across manufacturing, retail, construction and services sectors, declined slightly to 93.6 in July from 93.9 in June.
ISTAT attributed the business morale decline to deteriorating sentiment in the services and construction sectors.
However, the manufacturing sub-index showed improvement, rising to 87.8 from 87.3 in June, surpassing the median forecast of 87.7.
These mixed indicators provide contrasting signals about the economic outlook for the eurozone’s third-largest economy, with consumer sentiment strengthening while overall business confidence weakens.
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