PARIS (MNI) – Eurozone consumer sentiment eroded markedly in May
after a recovery in April, according to the flash estimate released
Thursday by the European Commission.
The sentiment index fell back 2.5 points to -17.5, more than
retracing the two-point upturn in April. The longer-term average is -12.
The final figure will be released next week as a component of the
Commission’s comprehensive economic sentiment survey.
The rise in April reflected consumers’ improved assessment of
recent economic trends, a growing willingness to spend on big-ticket
items and receding concerns about future labor market conditions,
particularly in Germany. These factors offset the recent pick-up in
prices and expectations of faster inflation ahead.
–Paris newsroom +331 4271 5540; e-mail: stephen@marketnews.com
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