Consumer confidence in the Eurozone experienced a decline for the first time this year, according to preliminary survey data released by the European Commission on Thursday.
The flash consumer confidence index dropped to -13.4 in August, down from -13.0 in July. This dip was contrary to economists' expectations, who had predicted the index would hold steady.
This marks the first reduction in the index since February.
In the broader European Union, the corresponding consumer confidence indicator edged down by 0.1 percentage points to -12.3 in August.
Both indices continue to lag behind their long-term averages, as noted by the commission.
The survey data was collected between August 1 and August 21.
