Euro-Area Consumer Confidence Rises, Supporting Domestic Demand

(Bloomberg) -- Euro-area consumer confidence rose more than economists forecast this month, suggesting domestic demand is still supporting the economy.

The European Commission’s index rose 0.6 point to minus 6.6. While global trade tensions have weighted on manufacturers and business sentiment, the consumer mood has held up relatively well. The household measure remains well above its long-term average.

The figures may give European Central Bank policy makers a reason to take their time before adding stimulus. While ECB President Mario Draghi has said risks to the outlook are to the downside, he’s also cited employment gains and wage growth as reason to see resilience in the euro-area economy.

To contact the reporter on this story: Catherine Bosley in Zurich at cbosley1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Fergal O'Brien at fobrien@bloomberg.net, Jana Randow, Carolynn Look

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