Recession likely ending, but no new jobs says Istat -update2

(ANSA) - Rome, December 30 - Italy's economy may be pulling out of recession, Istat national statistics bureau said Tuesday.
    "We expect the contraction phase of the Italian economy to cease in the coming months due to positive internal demand signals," Istat said. "However labor market conditions remain difficult...with the unemployment rate on the rise". Stagnant growth is likely in the fourth quarter this year, Istat added. "Overall... growth in the final quarter of (2014) will remain substantially stationary," the bureau said. Istat also said a drop in worldwide crude oil prices will not affect Italy.
    "The drop in oil prices will likely have limited expansionary effects," the bureau said in its monthly report on the national economy.
    A fall in energy prices could accentuate "the deflationary drive with a negative impact on expectations...highly indebted countries will see a rise in the real price of their debt".