Govt borrowed 68.6 bn in first nine months

(ANSA) - Rome, October 1 - The Italian government borrowed about 68.6 billion euros in the first nine months of the year - roughly 7.7 billion euros less than was needed in the same period last year, the Economy ministry said Wednesday.
    Italy has enjoyed reduced borrowing costs this year, issuing bonds at lower interest rates than seen in recent years.
    As well, the spread between Italy's benchmark 10-year bond and its German counterpart, generally seen as ultra-safe, has been narrowing, suggesting investor confidence has risen.
    Wednesday, that spread closed at 138.5 basis points with the yield on 10-year Italian bonds at 2.28%.