Sentiment in the euro zone rose in July despite increasing confusion surrounding the fate of Greece in the single currency area, a survey published today but conducted before the Greek bailout referendum showed.
Sentix research group's index tracking morale among investors and analysts in the euro zone strengthened to 18.5 this month from 17.1 in June - the first rise since April.
That was better than a Reuters consensus forecast for 15.
"Despite the crisis surrounding Greece, investors perceive the euro area economy as stronger than last month, and now actually behave as if the euro zone was in a boom," Sentix said.
The survey of 1,012 investors was conducted between July 2-4.
Sub-indices showed that investors' assessment of current conditions rose to 14.8, the highest level since July 2011, up from 11.8 in June, while expectations fell to 22.3 from 22.5.
An index tracking Germany showed sentiment in Europe's largest economy remained stable with the current situation component hitting its lowest level this year but expectations rising.
