BRUSSELS—Eurozone economic sentiment fell by slightly less than expected in June as consumers and retail trade became more downbeat but spirits among industrial and services sectors improved.
The European Commission’s monthly survey showed economic sentiment in the 19 countries sharing the euro slipped to 104.0 in June from 105.0 in May. Economists polled by Reuters had on average expected a reading of 103.0 in June.
Sentiment in industry improved to 7.4 points from 6.5 in May and for services, the economy’s biggest sector, to 14.8 from 14.1 in May. Economists had expected both to decline.
Manufacturers were more bullish about future production and order books, but less so on employment and saw greater overall uncertainty. The service sector was more upbeat about business over the past three months, but less optimistic looking forward….