Top Stories
Euro zone sentiment barely changed in May, inflation expectations ease
Global Banking & Finance Review®
Company
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Euro zone economic sentiment barely changed in May as slightly greater optimism in services and among consumers offset an ebbing of confidence in industry, data showed on Monday.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Euro zone economic sentiment barely changed in May as slightly greater optimism in services and among consumers offset an ebbing of confidence in industry, data showed on Monday.
The European Commission’s monthly survey showed economic sentiment in the 19 countries sharing the euro inched higher to 105.0 in May from 104.9 in April. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a reading of 104.9 in May.
Sentiment in industry fell to 6.3 points from 7.7 in April, but optimism in services, the economy’s biggest sector, rose to 14.0 from 13.6 in April. Consumer confidence improved to -21.1 from -22.0.
Consumer inflation expectations, which reached an all-time high in March, continued to decline, slipping to 45.6 in May from 50.0 in April and were also lower among manufacturers at 56.1, down from a record high of 60.0 in April.
(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
Economic sentiment refers to the overall attitude of consumers and businesses regarding the economy's current and future state. It is often measured through surveys and can influence spending and investment decisions.
Inflation expectations are the rate at which consumers and businesses anticipate prices will rise in the future. These expectations can affect economic behavior, including spending and investment.
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's day-to-day operations.
Consumer confidence is a measure of how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are regarding their expected financial situation and the overall economic environment. High confidence typically leads to increased spending.
Explore more articles in the Top Stories category
