The economic sentiment index improved slightly in October, reaching 107.5 points from 106.2 points in September. According to the economic outlook survey by IOBE released on Tuesday, this improvement stems from stronger expectations in the business sectors and several subsectors, with the exception of a marginal weakening in industry. The downward trend in consumer confidence has returned, as consumers’ relatively pessimistic forecasts for the financial situation of households have intensified.
"Despite the temporary balance in global trade, no definitive arrangements have yet been made regarding the imposition of tariffs by and on the United States; therefore, this uncertainty continues to affect domestic industry. Domestically, although growth rates remain higher than the eurozone average, they show signs of fatigue, with concerns about the course of investments, especially after the completion of Recovery Fund programmes. Inflation has slightly decelerated in recent months but still remains overall above the eurozone average and continues to influence household expectations. The implementation of the economic policy measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair is expected to positively affect household expectations from the start of next year," the IOBE survey said.