Italy Economic Calendar

Italy has an advanced capitalist mixed economy; it is the world's eighth-largest economy and the European Union's third largest. Its economy was severely impacted by the Great Recession and continues to suffer from structural and non-structural issues to this day.

The services sector is the most important sector of the economy, with tourism, trade, and services to individuals and corporations as its most significant activity.

Italy is the sixth-largest manufacturing nation in the world and is notable for creating high-quality luxury goods, such as fashion accessories, expensive automobiles, and culinary products. The Italian manufacturing sector can compete with China and other growing Asian economies based on cheaper labor costs, with superior product quality.

Italy's agriculture is also a significant and competitive sector; it is the world's largest producer of wine and one of the top producers of olive oil, fruits, and vegetables.

Banca d'Italia is Italy's central bank and since 1998 been part of the European System of Central Banks which is in control of the monetary and exchange rate policies. The Euro has exchanged for the Italian Lira in 2002, except in Campione d'Italia which has the Swiss Franc as its official currency.

The European Central Bank determines Italy's Interest Rate. The primary objective of the ECB's monetary policy is to maintain price stability over the medium term, which includes keeping inflation below but near 2%.