GDP up 0.4% Q2, inflation returns to 2.5% in July says Confcommercio

Italy's GDP was up 0.4% in the second quarter of this tear while inflation fell back to 2.5% in July, retail group Confcommercio said Friday. The geopolitical scenario, after a brief period of respite, has seen renewed tensions in the Middle East, making forecasts for the Italian economy "slightly more uncertain and complex," "still experiencing undeniable signs of liveliness overall," Confcommercio stated in its latest report, estimating a second quarter of further growth of 0.4%, with a 1.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The growth achieved to date allows us to look "with some optimism" toward the results of 2026, consolidating the possibility of a GDP growth rate of close to 1% for the entire year, the association states, adding that "any slowdown in economic activity wi