The euro area’s economic slump deepened in April on declining confidence among consumers and executives, the Eurocoin index showed.

The gauge measuring economic activity in the 17-nation region fell to minus 0.08 percent from minus 0.03 percent in March, the London-based Centre for Economic Policy Research and the Bank of Italy, which co-produce the index, said today in an e-mailed report.

“This result reflects the downturn in share prices and the deterioration in consumer and business confidence, offset in part, however, by the growth in exports,” the report said

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