(ANSA) - Rome, February 26 - Consumer confidence in Italy has jumped this month to a level not seen in more than a dozen years, national statistical agency Istat said Thursday. Confidence levels reached 110.9 points, up from 104.4 in January, and the highest point since June 2002, Istat said.
Improved employment numbers as well as the election of new president, signalling renewal, may have boosted confidence.
As well, economic forecasters have predicted the Italian economy, which has shown no signs of growth in about six years, should finally pull out of its slump this year and post a small expansion.
Consumer confidence hits 12-year high, business morale leaps
Istat says better job numbers, new president may have helped