ISTAT revises upwards 2017 GDP to 1.0% (3)

(ANSA) - Rome, May 22 - ISTAT on Monday revised upwards its 2017 growth forecast from 0.9% to 1.0%, saying that "a more sustained dynamic in world trade is foreseen that should boost exports".
    Italy's GDP is recovering but there is a gap with the rest of the EU, ISTAT said in its spring forecasts. It said Italian GDP rose 1.9% in the first quarter of 2017 while eurozone GDP rose 3.5%.
    Household spending was hindered by price rises in 2017 and only rose by 1%, ISTAT went on.
    The national statistics agency also said that there were risks because of tensions on the financial markets.
    Unemployment in 2017 was 11.5%, a "moderate improvement," ISTAT said.
    It also said that a "surge" in investments was continuing, with a 3% rise expected this year.