Italians believe in it less and less. In May the consumer confidence climate index it dropped to 86,5 points, from 88,8 in April. It's about the lowest level since 1996, when the historical series of Istat began.
Both the judgments expressed by consumers on the current economic situation of the country worsened (from -128 to -140), and expectations for the next 12 months (from -70 to -80). The share of those who foresee is growing increases in unemployment (the balance passes from 106 to 113).
At the territorial level, the climate of confidence worsens in the Center and in the North-West, improves slightly in the South and in the North-East. The general economic sentiment drops from 71,6 to 64,4, while the personal sentiment rises from 94,3 to 95,2. Both the indicator referring to the future climate (from 76,6 to 75,7) and that relating to the current situation (from 96,7 to 96,4) are slightly down, according to Istat.
The balance of judgments on the family's economic situation it decreases from -63 to -66, while future expectations show a slight rise, from -39 to -37. As regards savings, assessments on current opportunities improve (the balance rises from 141 to 145) and expectations on future possibilities are stable (-85). Assessments on the convenience of purchasing durable goods are improving (from -100 to -91).
The balance of judgments on the recent evolution of consumer prices is decreasing (from 91 to 87). Prospective assessments of the evolution over the next twelve months signal an attenuation of the inflation dynamics (the balance decreases from 50 to 44).
