In Italy, consumer and business sentiment clouded over in July. Consumer sentiment fell 3.5 points to 94.8 points, according to the statistics agency Istat in Rome on Wednesday. On average, analysts had expected a decline to just 96.6 points.
Business sentiment fell 2.6 points to 110.8 points. The corresponding indicator for industry deteriorated by 2.8 points to 106.7 points. Analysts had expected a drop of this magnitude. In contrast, the mood improved in the construction industry and retail trade. (dpa)