Eurozone consumer confidence unexpectedly improved in August, rising 0.4 points to -15.5 from July’s reading, the European Commission reported on Friday. Economists had projected a marginal decline to -16.0.
The indicator, which had been weighed down by spillover effects from the Iran conflict in March and April, has now climbed for four consecutive months. Despite the recent gains, the measure remains below its long-term average and has yet to fully recover the losses recorded since February.
The August improvement contrasts with the broader trend of subdued consumer sentiment across the bloc, reflecting persistent economic uncertainty and inflation pressures. The latest data suggests a gradual stabilization in household expectations, though the index’s persistent negative territory underscores ongoing challenges in restoring consumer optimism.
