Consumers in Slovenia remained less pessimistic in May, and consumer confidence strengthened to the highest level in more than four-and-a-half years, figures from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia showed on Friday.
The consumer sentiment index rose to -20 in May from -27 in April. Moreover, a similar reading was last seen in August 2021.
Among components, households' opinions regarding their own financial situation over the next twelve months improved to -10 from -19. Similarly, the index for past financial situations rose to -17 from -20.
The survey revealed that expectations regarding the general economic situation of the country over the next year strengthened notably to -20 from -35.
Unemployment fears among households eased slightly, and they expect a slower rising trend for consumer prices over the next twelve months.
Separate official data showed that Slovenia's producer price inflation accelerated to a 33-month high of 2.1% in May from 1.4% in April. The acceleration was largely driven by a 12.7% surge in mining and quarrying prices. Manufacturing prices grew 2.1%, while prices in the utility sector rose only by 0.1%.
