Spread closes up 7 on 181 (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, May 8 - The spread between Italian and German 10-year bond yields, a gauge of Italy's borrowing costs and of market confidence in the Italian economy, closed up seven points on 181 points Monday, compared to 174 at Friday's close, with the yield up 0.02% to 2.22% from 2.20% at Friday's close.
    The lower the spread is, the better it is for the Italian economy and debt-servicing costs.
    The spread rose above 200 points recently on EU populist fears.