The consumer confidence index fell to 96.6, down from 97.4 in October. The decline was most pronounced in the economic and future indices, which dropped to 97.8 and 93.8, respectively, from 99.7 and 95.0. The current climate indicator slipped to 98.7, while personal confidence edged lower to 96.2, Istat said in a press release.
Business confidence, as measured by the Istat Economic Sentiment Indicator (IESI), declined slightly from 93.4 to 93.1. The manufacturing sector showed some improvement, with its confidence index rising to 86.5 from 85.8, driven by improved assessments of order books. However, future production expectations weakened.
Retail trade confidence in the country rose from 103.8 to 106.7, marking its third consecutive monthly increase. Retailers reported improved current business activity and stronger optimism for future trends, with inventory assessments remaining stable.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)