With regard to the consumer survey, the confidence climate index decreased in February 2016 from 118.6 to 114.5. All components decreased: economic, personal, current and future (from 152.4 to 141.8, from 107.6 to 105.8, from 113.5 to 110.7 and from 127.1 to 120.5, respectively). The balance concerning expectations on unemployment increased from 1 to 12. The balance on inflation perceptions referring to the last 12 months and on inflation expectations for next 12 months lowered from -25 to -26 and from -13 to -20 respectively.
With regard to business surveys, the composite business confidence climate index (IESI, Istat Economic Sentiment Indicator) increased from 101.4 in January to 103.1.
The confidence index in manufacturing fell from 103.0 to 102.0. Assessments on order books and production expectations decreased (from -13 to -14 and from 11 to 9, respectively), and inventories decreased (from 4 to 3).
The confidence index in construction rose from 114.6 to 119.3. Assessments on order books and construction plans and employment expectations improved (from -39 to -35 and from -10 to -7, respectively).
The market services confidence remained stable to 106.6. The index increased in Information and communication (from 104.7 to 106.5) and in Business services and Other services (from 105.4 to 105.9) while it decreased in Transportation and storage (from 113.1. to 109.0) and in Tourism services (from 107.2 to 106.6).
The retail trade confidence index increased from 102.0 to 106.5. The confidence increased in the large scale distribution (from 99.0 to 107.8) while it decreased in small and medium scale distribution (from 110.3 to 102.2).
Date of next release: 29 March 2016