Business confidence

In June 2014 the composite business confidence climate index (IESI, Istat Economic Sentiment Indicator), obtained by summarizing the confidence climates of manufacturing, construction, market services and retail trade, increased to 88.4 from 86.9 in May.

The confidence index in manufacturing rose to 100.0 from 99.8. Assessments on order books and production expectations improved (from -21 to -20 and from 4 to 6, respectively); inventories increased (from -3 to 0).

The confidence index in construction rose to 81.1 from 73.4. Assessments on order books and construction plans and employment expectations improved (from -54 to -44 and from -23 to -22, respectively).

The market services confidence index rose to 88.0 from 87.4. The index increased in Transportation and storage (from 107.9 to 108.6), in Tourism services (from 68.3 to 81.3) and in Information and communication (from 76.1 to 76.7 ) while it decreased in Business services and other services (from 98.6 to 88.7).

The retail trade confidence index rose to 101.4 from 99.0. The confidence increased in the large-scale distribution (from 95.6 to 101.0) and in small and medium scale distribution (from 102.0 to 102.7).