Consumer confidence rises in May to highest level in 4 years

(ANSA) - Rome, May 27 - Consumer confidence rose in May to levels not seen since January 2010, national statistics agency Istat said Tuesday. The findings suggest households in Italy are feeling inspired by Premier Matteo Renzi's economic plans including reforms to reduce unemployment and boost growth.
    The confidence index reached 106.3, up from revised levels of 105.5 in April, the third consecutive month of growth, said Istat.
    The agency said that households seemed to be feeling more optimistic.
    The findings come only days after Italian voters showed strong support for Renzi's Democratic Party (PD) in elections for the European Parliament.
    The PD took more than 40.8% of the vote - almost double the 21.2% for the Euroskeptic 5-Star Movement (M5S) led by Beppe Grillo.