The manufacturing confidence index in Italy increased to 86.5 in May 2025, up from a previously revised figure of 85.8 in April, surpassing market forecasts of 86.2. This represents the most favorable level since February, as optimism strengthened across various crucial indicators. Expectations regarding production improved (-1.8 compared to -2.3 in April), as did assessments of order books (-1.5 versus -1.6), the economic outlook (-21 compared to -27.4), and cash availability (-7.6 against -8.8) over the forthcoming three months, showing a reduced level of pessimism. However, sentiment regarding the employment outlook over the next three months continued to decline, with figures at -1.2 compared to -0.6.