Belgium Consumer Confidence Weakens For First Time In 4 Months

(RTTNews) - Belgium's consumer confidence deteriorated slightly in March, after improving in the previous three months, survey data from the National Bank of Belgium revealed Friday.

The consumer confidence index fell to -6 from -5. In January, the score was -9. The latest drop in the index was the first since November, when it reached -14.

Households turned pessimistic regarding the economic situation in the country. The index fell to -1 from 2 in February, which was the first positive reading since June last year.

Fears of a rise in unemployment rose for the first time in six months and the relevant index climbed to 21 from 18.

Consumers were also more pessimistic regarding their own financial situation and the measure dropped to -3 from -1. However, they were optimistic regarding their saving capacity for the first time in eight months and the index rose to 1 from -1.