Istat warns economy, consumption weak

(ANSA) - Rome, October 31 - The Italian economy remains weak with data showing a continued slowdown until the end of this year, national statistical agency Istat said Friday. Consumers are holding back on spending because of concerns about job prospects and this weighs on growth for the second half of 2014.
    Similar sluggishness has been reported in other countries within the eurozone, which are also facing increased financial market volatility. Fixed investments by business and exports are also slowing, Istat said in a monthly survey.