Belgium Consumer Confidence At 4-year High In May

(RTTNews) - Belgium's consumer confidence rose for the first time in three months in May to reach its highest level in four years, on the back of significant improvement in the macroeconomic outlook during the month, the National Bank of Belgium said Friday.

The consumer confidence indicator climbed to -3 from -6 seen in both March and April. In February, the score was -5.

Economic expectations for the next twelve months improved strongly and the indicator rose to 4 from zero. The unemployment expectations measure eased sharply to 17 from 24, reflecting significantly reduced concerns of households regarding a rise in joblessness.

Meanwhile, consumers' view on their future financial situation remained unchanged at -1 in May. Their assessment of future saving capacity improved with the index climbing to 4 from 2.