Belgium Consumer Confidence At 7-month High

(RTTNews) - Belgium's consumer confidence rose for a second straight month to its highest level in seven months as households' economic expectations improved and their fears of further increase in unemployment eased, survey data from the National Bank of Belgium revealed Tuesday.

The consumer confidence index climbed to -9 from -12 in December. The score was the highest since June last year, when the reading was -7.

Households' were markedly less pessimistic regarding the country's economic situation with the relevant index rising to -5 from -10.

Their view on the unemployment situation also improved with the index easing to 24 from 26. The proportion of households expecting to see an increase in unemployment over the next twelve months was at its lowest level since October 2011, the survey said. The index dropped for a fourth straight month.

The measure reflecting consumers' view on their financial situation also rose this month, climbing to -3 from -5. Consumers' also were less pessimistic regarding their saving capacity and the index climbed to -4 from -5.