Economic sentiment slips

Greece's economic sentiment index fell to 106.4 points in October from 107.7 in September, reflecting a drop in business expectations in the retail commerce, weaker expectations in industry and services, and more optimistic expectations in construction, the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) said on Wednesday.

The economic sentiment index had moved above last year's levels so far this year, against a decline in relative indices in the EU and the eurozone, reflecting the positive climate that traditionally prevails during election years. However, that optimism is gradually evaporating due to geopolitical tensions, tighter fiscal room and uncertainty over inflation.

Business expectations in industry showed a further decline in the negative balance of estimates regarding new orders and demand, while positive expectations for production in the coming...