Italy: consumer confidence ‘recovering’

Consumer confidence in Italy is on the rise again after hitting rock bottom in January…

Consumer confidence in Italy increased to 103 in February 2008 from 102.2 the previous month, according to the Italian economic research institute. The new rise comes after consumer confidence in Italy in January 2008 hit its lowest level since August 2005.

The index concerning the general economic situation went up to 82.6 from 80.9, while the index concerning the personal future of Italians dropped to 112.8 from 113.5. The index showing the opinions on the current and future situation rose to 108.3 from 108 and to 96.7 from 96.2, respectively, ISAE said.

Italian consumers were worried about the continuing rise in prices, despite expectation for stabilisation of prices in the next 12 months. ISAE said the increase in consumer confidence was most marked in northwestern and Southern Italy, while in northeastern and central Italy it decreased.