MW: Euro-zone economic sentiment indicator up in Dec.
By William L. Watts
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- The European Commission's economic sentiment indicator for the 16-nation euro zone rose 2.5 points to 91.3 in December, gaining ground for the ninth consecutive month after hitting a low in March. The index still remains below its long-term average. The commission's industry index rose 3 points to -16, while the services index rose a point to -3. The consumer confidence index rose one point to -16, while the retail trade index gained a point to -10. The construction index slipped two points to -28. Separately, the European Union statistics agency Eurostat said November retail sales volumes in the euro zone fell 1.2% from October, matching the record monthly decline. Sales were down 4% compared to the same month last year.
