In July 2023, the consumer confidence index decreased from 108.6 to 106.7. In particular, the confidence indicator worsening was common to all its components. Indeed, the economic climate fell from 127.6 to 123.4, the future one worsened from 118.4 to 115.0, the personal one slipped from 102.2 to 101.1 and, finally, the current one shrank 102.0 to 101.0.
With reference to the business confidence climate, the index (IESI, Istat Economic Sentiment Indicator) rose from 108.2 to 109.1.
The confidence climate in manufacturing lessened from 100.2 to 99.3. More specifically, the balance referring to the assessments on order books decreased (from -13.0 to -16.1), while expectations on production increased (the balance went up from 3.7 to 4.1) and assessments on inventories remained essentially unchanged (from 4.8 to 4.9 the related balance).
The confidence climate in construction increased from 162.5 to 166.5. Among confidence-building variables, both assessments on order books/construction and expectations on employment improved (the related balances grew from 3.6 to 7.2 and from 11.0 to 12.8, respectively).
The market services confidence climate got better, passing from 103.7 to 105.6. Compared to the previous survey, firms improved their assessments and expectations on order books (the related balances passed from 7.2 to 7.7 and from 5.5 to 7.5, respectively) and their assessments on business trend (the balance of the variable moved from 9.9 to 13.2).
The retail trade confidence index started to increase again, moving from 110.5 to 111.2. The assessments on current business conditions improved, whereas expectations on future business activity worsened; inventories were considered to have built up (the related balances moved from 19.4 to 24.3, from 25.4 to 24.3 and from 5.5 to 7.2, respectively).