ROME (Reuters) - Italy's leading economic indicator improved in December but at a slower rate than in the previous two months, suggesting the current growth rate will be sustained, statistics office ISTAT said on Friday.
The long-stagnant Italian economy has been picking up since the end of last year and the recovery is looking increasingly solid, supported by job growth and buoyant business sentiment.
Third-quarter GDP growth clocked in at 0.4 percent, ISTAT said earlier this month, adding that even if there is no growth in the fourth quarter, full-year growth will come in at 1.4 percent.
The government forecasts expansion of 1.5 percent for 2017, which would be the strongest rate since 2010, but lag other European Union countries.