Expectations rise boosts sentiment

Brussels: Rising production expectations in industry boosted economic sentiment in the eurozone by more than expected in November, indicating continued economic recovery in the fourth quarter.

A monthly European Commission survey showed economic sentiment in the 16 countries using the euro rose to 88.8 points from October’s 86.1, marking an eighth straight month of improvement and signalling further recovery in coming months.

Sentiment in eurozone industry rose two points to -19 in November, the mood in the services sector jumped to -4 from -7, while retail rose to -11 from -15 and construction to -26 from -29. Consumers also became less pessimistic, with that index rising to -17 from -18.