Consumer confidence falls again in March. According to Istat, the consumer confidence climate index based on 2005=100 in fact dropped to 85,2 in March from 86 in the previous month. Both the component referring to the economic scenario decreased (the relative indicator dropped from 72,7 to 68,8) and, to a lesser extent, that relating to personal climate (the indicator dropped from 91,7 to 91,4).
The future climate indicator, on the other hand, increased (from 79,9 to 80,2), while that referring to the current situation decreased (from 91,1 to 89,2). Assessments and expectations on the country's economic situation worsen (the respective balances from -142 to -148 and from -59 to -62). Expectations on unemployment are increasing (the balance from 99 to 104).
Assessments of the household's economic situation worsen (the balance passes from -74 to -76 for assessments and from -26 to -30 for expectations). The balance of assessments on the family budget increased (from -28 to -23). Assessments of current savings opportunities are worsening (the balance from 139 to 132), while expectations on future possibilities are improving (the balance from -91 to -81). Opinions on the opportunity to purchase durable goods worsen (the balance going from -111 to -114).
Assessments on the recent evolution of consumer prices decrease (the balance from 51 to 50). Assessments of the evolution of prices over the next twelve months indicate that the inflation dynamics will remain stationary (the balance is equal to 2). Territorially, the climate of confidence increases slightly in the Centre, while it decreases in the rest of the country.
