Spread closes up 3 on 170 (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, May 24 - 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 three points on 173 points Wednesday, compared to a four-month low of 170 at Tuesday's close, with the yield up 0.02% to 2.12% from 2.10% at Tuesday'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.