PARIS (MNI) – Much as expected, Eurozone consumer morale eroded
further in December to a 28-month low, according to the European
Commission’s preliminary estimate released Wednesday.
After a 10.7-point slide since June to -20.4 in November, the
sentiment indicator slipped another 0.8 point in December to -21.2 —
nearly nine points below the long-term average. Analysts surveyed by
Market News International had expected a monthly decline of 0.6-1.6
points.
Last month’s flash estimate for a half-point decline in November
was confirmed by the definitive data. Households said their financial
situation had deteriorated and expected the trend to continue. They
feared the economy would weaken further, with fallout for the labor
market. Inflation worries also ticked higher. Nevertheless, buying
propensity recovered.
The final sentiment figure for December, along with the other
components of the Commission’s comprehensive sentiment survey, is
scheduled for release on January 6.
[TOPICS: M$XDS$,M$X$$$]