LISBON: Portugal’s economic climate indicator rose in February to a four-month high of 1.3 points while consumer confidence hit its strongest mark in 17 years, official data showed.
The National Statistics Institute (INE) said the consumer confidence indicator rose to a negative reading of 4.4 this month from -6.2 in January and from -11.3 a year earlier. It was the highest level since March 2000.
The economic climate indicator, which measures business confidence, rose from 1.2 points last month and from 0.8 a year earlier.
Economic growth last year reached a stronger-than-expected 1.4 percent, according to data released earlier this month, and the government expects a mild acceleration this year.
