Despite two months of consecutive increases, industrial production in Italy is marking time and showing some signs of weakness

With a decline of 1.8%, all sectors are affected, particularly the most energy-intensive.

The chemical, paper and wood, metal and plastics industries have all almost come to a halt. Leading the slowdown in activity, the energy sector seems to be making a major contribution to this drop in production.

Consumer morale is also down, as the horizon does not yet look clear. It should be noted, however, that the new government expects GDP to reach 3.7% this year.

If these growth forecasts prove accurate, they should enable Italy to get back on the growth track fairly quickly.