Summary
In March, the consumer confidence and the economic sentiment indicators increased significantly in the Euro Area. In the same month, the raw materials and oil prices presented monthly change rates of -2.4% and 10.6%, respectively (-1.3% and 13.5% in February).
In Portugal, the economic climate indicator increased in March, after stabilizing in the previous month. The economic activity indicator stabilized in February, after decelerating since July. In February, the Short-Term Statistics revealed less negative indications in industry, construction and public works and some sectors of services. The private consumption indicator presented a more intense year-on-year growth rate in February, mainly reflecting the acceleration of the non-durable consumption component. In the same month, the Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicator increased significantly, due to the evolution of the construction component that shifted from a negative contribution in January to a positive one. Concerning the international trade of goods, exports and imports recorded year-on-year nominal change rates of 2.1% and -3.5% in February, respectively (0.5% and -1.3% in January).
Accordingly to the monthly estimates of Labour Force Survey, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (15 to 74 years old) shifted from 13.8% in January to 14.1% in February. The employed population (15 to 74 years old), seasonally adjusted, decreased 0.3% comparing with previous month and increased 0.3% comparing with February 2014.
The year-on-year change rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 0.3% in March (-0.2% in February), with rates of -0.5% in the goods component (-0.9% in the previous month) and 1.5% in the services component (0.8% in February).