Economic sentiment strengthens in EU, employment expectations essentially stable

Brussels – In March 2024, the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) increased in both the EU (+0.7 points to 96.2) and the euro area (+0.8 points to 96.3). The Employment Expectations Indicator (EEI) remained virtually stable for the second consecutive month in both areas (+0.1 points to 102.3 in the EU and 102.6 in the euro area). This was recorded by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Economic Affairs (DG ECFIN).

In contrast to ESI, EEI scored above its long-term average.

Flash consumer confidence indicator for EU and euro area on the rise

In March 2024, DG ECFIN’s flash estimate of the consumer confidence indicator increased further by 0.6 percentage points in both the EU and the euro area. Consumer confidence remains well below the long-term
average, at -15.2 points in the EU and -14.9 points in the eurozone.