The Christmas spirit is not enough: the latest economic maneuver it has sapped the spirit of the Italians. In December, the index that measures the consumer confidence it collapsed from 96,1 points in November to 91,6. Istat communicates it, specifying that it is the lowest figure since 1996, that is, since the seasonally adjusted series are available.
The deterioration is widespread in all components and is particularly marked as regards the general economic climate, which recorded a plunge from 83,1 to 77,2. The indicator relating to the personal situation of the interviewees fell from 101,6 to 97,3.
The index which measures short-term forecasts also marks a marked decline, falling from 88,9 to 82,9, while that relating to the current situation passes from 102,2 to 98,4. Unemployment expectations are bad (the balance from 80 to 86) and the general ones on the Italian economy (from -46 to -55).
The balance of assessments on the recent evolution of consumer prices increased from 57 to 65 and that on the evolution over the next twelve months rose from 12 to 58. The deterioration of confidence it is widespread in all areas and is particularly marked in the Northwest and in the South.
