Economic sentiment in the eurozone unexpectedly deteriorated in December.
The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) fell by 1.9 points to 93.7 points compared to the previous month, as the European Commission announced in Brussels on Wednesday. Bank economists had expected an average of 95.6 points.
The mood in the ailing industrial sector and among consumers has worsened. The indicator fell slightly in the retail and construction industries. In the service sector, however, the mood improved.
The ESI fell in the three large countries France (-3.0 points), Germany (-2.5 points) and Italy (-1.1 points). In Spain (+0.9 points), however, the indicator improved. Germany continues to pose a burden on the Eurozone economy. At 86.1 points, the German ESI value is noticeably below the Eurozone average. (dpa)