LJUBLJANA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Consumer confidence in Slovenia rose sharply in June, reaching its highest level in nearly five years, according to data released Friday by the country's Statistical Office.
The consumer sentiment indicator climbed to minus 20 points this month, up from minus 27 in May and minus 26 in June last year. Although the indicator remained in negative territory, the latest reading marked the highest level since August 2021, suggesting a notable improvement in consumer sentiment.
The office said all components of the indicator improved, with expectations regarding the national economy contributing most to the increase.
Consumers also expressed greater optimism about their household finances and their ability to make major purchases in the coming months, the report said.
The improvement in sentiment comes amid sustained wage growth and a strong labor market. Slovenia's unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent in the first quarter of 2026, while average monthly gross wages in March were 7.3 percent higher than a year earlier.
Wage growth outpaced inflation, which reached 3.6 percent year on year in May, and also exceeded the country's gross domestic product growth of 3 percent recorded in the first quarter, providing additional support for consumer confidence. ■