Press Release: January 2013: Economic sentiment increases in both the EU and the euro area

In January the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) increased by 1.4 points in both the EU (to 90.6) and the euro area (to 89.2)1. In the EU, confidence improved in services, construction, retail trade and among consumers, while deteriorating slightly in industry. In the euro area, confidence picked up in construction, services and among consumers and remained broadly unchanged in industry and retail trade.

In both regions, the ESI rose for the third consecutive month but remains well below its long-term average.Among the seven largest EU Member States, the ESI registered increases in Germany (+2.5), the Netherlands (+1.0), Spain (+0.5) and the UK (+0.5). It remained unchanged in Italy and broadly stable in France (‑0.3), while deteriorating in Poland (-1.3).