24/11/2011 00:00:00
According to Istat the index of consumer confidence increased to 96.5 from 93.3 in November.
The improvement is common to all components and is particularly marked for the general economic climate, with the index rising from 76.0 to 83.4. The indicator on the personal situation of the respondents increased from 98.6 to 101.6. The index which measures the short-term forecast recorded a marked progress, rising from 82.1 to 89.1; that referring to the current situation goes from 101.0 to 102.2. Improved, in particular, the evaluations in perspective on the situation of the country (from -70 to -46, the balance) and the labor market (with the balance coming down from 90 to 79).
Also the assessments on the status of the family budget are improving, with the balance rising from -6 to -1.
More favourable opinions are expressed even about the present and the future saving opportunities: the balance of the variables increased from 150 to 152 and from -89 to -72. The balance of the opinions on the recent evolution of the consumer price index increases from 54 to 57, but that on the evolution in the coming year marks a sharp decline (from 26 to 12). The improvement in confidence is widespread in all areas and is particularly strong in Centre and South.
