Belgium Consumer Confidence Stable In May

(RTTNews) - Belgium's consumer confidence held steady in May after weakening in the previous four months, survey data from the National Bank of Belgium showed Friday.

The consumer confidence index showed a score of -8, same as the reading in April. In March, the figure was -7.

The latest level was the highest since September last year, when the reading was -10.

Households' expectations for the next 12 months regarding the country's economic situation deteriorated, with the index dropping to -11 from -10.

Consumers' fears regarding the unemployment situation worsened sharply, with the corresponding measure rising to 20 from 15. That was the highest score since October last year, when it was 21.

Expectations over the personal financial situation improved and the measure climbed to -3 from -5. Consumers again turned optimistic about their savings with the index rising to 4 from -1.