Slide in consumer spending halted in 2014 - Istat - update

(ANSA) - Rome, July 8 - The slide in Italian households' consumer spending in recent years stopped in 2014, when consumption was steady, Istat said on Wednesday. The national statistics agency said average consumer spending was "essentially stable" at around 2,488.50 euros a month per household. It said this was a 0.7% increase in nominal terms but "almost unvaried" in real terms - when inflation is accounted for. Consumer spending was hit badly by Italy enduring years of recession, although the country has started a slow recovery.