Eurozone consumer confidence held steady in February, while economic sentiment showed slight improvement despite challenges.

by VT Markets
/
Feb 27, 2025

The Eurozone’s final consumer confidence for February stands at -13.6, consistent with preliminary figures, while the prior reading was -14.2. Economic confidence improved to 96.3, surpassing expectations of 96.0 and up from a revised 95.3.

Industrial confidence recorded at -11.4, better than the expected -12.0 and revised from -12.7. However, services confidence decreased to 6.2, below expectations of 6.8 and revised from a previous 6.7.

Although economic sentiment shows improvement, conditions remain mostly subdued, particularly in services, while the manufacturing sector continues to face challenges.

Consumer confidence in the Eurozone is showing some level of stability, with figures holding steady compared to earlier estimates. A reading of -13.6 suggests that while sentiment remains negative, it is marginally better than the month before. Meanwhile, overall economic confidence is advancing, exceeding estimates and improving from the previous revision. That suggests a more optimistic outlook among businesses and consumers alike, though it does not indicate an abrupt shift in conditions.

Manufacturing appears to be under somewhat less strain, judging by industrial confidence figures that are stronger than forecasts. A reading of -11.4, while still negative, indicates a slower rate of deterioration than previously recorded. That suggests some relief, but not a reversal of difficulties faced by the sector. The services industry, however, is moving in the opposite direction. With confidence dipping to 6.2, business sentiment is weaker than both the previous reading and market expectations. That downtrend introduces concerns over whether this sector can offset weakness elsewhere.

The broader trend here is one of restrained progress. Economic sentiment may be picking up, but underlying conditions remain far from strong. Growth indicators show that businesses and consumers are not reacting uniformly. Certain areas appear to be finding their footing, while others are not showing the same kind of resilience.

In the coming weeks, traders will need to weigh whether the modest improvements in confidence translate into tangible shifts elsewhere. Manufacturing sentiment stabilising gives reason for cautious optimism, but services cooling down could have broader implications. The data does not support an expectation of rapid improvement. Instead, it highlights an economic environment that is seeing only measured adjustments.

When positioning for what comes next, ignoring the divergence between industries would be an oversight. That gap may shape expectations across markets. Assessing whether this mixed picture extends into forthcoming reports will be key in determining whether optimism is warranted or premature. Those tracking developments should remain attentive to underlying details rather than headline figures alone.

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