Italy: Consumer confidence falls, business sentiment highest since April 2024

In November, consumer confidence in Italy declined, while business sentiment reached its highest level since April 2024, signaling mixed indicators for the Eurozone’s third-largest economy.

According to data released by ISTAT, the composite business sentiment index, which combines surveys of manufacturing, retail, construction, and services, rose to 96.1 from 94.4 in October. The manufacturing sub-index climbed to 89.6, the highest level since June 2023 and above analysts’ expectations of 88.5.

Meanwhile, consumer confidence fell to 95.0, down from 97.6 in the previous month and below market forecasts. Experts note that the decline reflects caution among households, which could weigh on domestic consumption and economic growth.