European Commission figures show that economic sentiment in the euro zone fell in June, but by less than expected, as the region's economy slowed after a strong start to the year.
The Commission said weakening confidence in industry had depressed economic sentiment in the 17 countries using the euro currency to 105.1 in June from 105.5 in May.
The Netherlands reported a steep decline, though sentiment in Spain improved, according to the Commission's monthly survey results.
The statistics showed that the fall in sentiment in industry was partly compensated for by gains in services and construction, while consumer and retail confidence remained broadly unchanged.
The Commission also released figures showing a fall in June - for the fourth month in a row - of the euro area's Business Climate Indicator.
'The current level of the indicator remains very high, but the consecutive drops observed may suggest that euro area industry has entered a phase of growth moderation,' the Commission said.
