2018.09.2704:57:00UTC+00Italy Consumer Confidence Improves; Business Confidence At 20-Month Low

Italy's consumer confidence improved in September, while business confidence weakened to the lowest level in more than one-and-a-half years, survey data from the statistical office Istat showed Thursday.

The consumer confidence index climbed to 116.0 in September from 115.3 in August.

All components of the consumer confidence climate were strengthened in September.

The balance concerning expectations on unemployment decreased in September, with the index falling to 18.5 from 23.5 in August.

The index measuring inflation expectations over the next twelve months changed for the better from -14.8 to -12.1.

Data also showed that the composite business confidence index fell to a 20-month low of 103.7 in September from 103.9 in the prior month.

Among sectors, manufacturing confidence rose to 105.7 from 105.0. The morale also improved in market services, while it worsened in construction.