Euro Area Consumer Confidence at 5-Month High

Consumer confidence in the Euro Area improved for a third consecutive month to -15.9 in July 2026 from -17.6 in June and compared to forecasts of -16.8, preliminary estimates showed. Sentiment also strengthened across the broader European Union, with the index improving to -15.1 from -17 in the previous month. Despite three consecutive months of improvement, consumer confidence has not yet recovered the losses incurred since February and remains below its long-term average.

Euro Area consumer confidence was confirmed at -17.7 in June 2026, up from -19 in May, marking the second consecutive month of improvement. In the broader European Union, consumer sentiment also increased to -17 from -18.2 the month before, as consumers grew less pessimistic about the economy and their future financial situation. They also reported a modest improvement in their assessment of their past financial situation and showed a slightly stronger willingness to make major purchases.

Consumer confidence in the Euro Area improved for a second consecutive month, rising by 1.3 percentage points to -17.7 in June 2026 from -19 in May, according to flash estimates. However, the reading came slightly below market expectations of -17.5. Sentiment also strengthened across the broader European Union, with the index improving to -17 from -18.2 in the previous month. The recovery comes as crude oil prices have eased in recent weeks, although they remain slightly above levels seen before the Middle East conflict began. Despite the improvement, consumer confidence remains below its long-term average and continues to sit below pre-conflict levels, highlighting ongoing concerns over economic uncertainty and household purchasing power.