In January this year, the seasonally adjusted confidence index for Italian manufacturing dipped to 92.1 compared to 92.5 in December 2011, down 0.43 percent. Assessments on order books improved, while production expectations worsened, as indicated by Italy's national statistics office (ISTAT).
In January, the seasonally adjusted confidence index in Italian construction rose to 82.2 from 80.2 in December, up 2.49 percent, according to ISTAT. Assessments on order books and employment expectations improved.