The Bank of Italy published its September economic and financial snapshot, showing that GDP growth slowed to 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026 from 0.3% in the first quarter. Household consumption rose 0.4% and fixed investment increased 0.3%, while imports grew 1.7%, more than twice the 0.8% rise in exports. Preliminary annual inflation reached 3.2% in August, while inflation excluding energy and food was 1.7%. The Bank’s existing June projections forecast 0.5% growth and 3.1% inflation for 2026. Italy’s current account surplus increased to EUR 11.9 billion in the first half of 2026 from EUR 6.5 billion a year earlier. Official estimates cited in the report put the 2026 budget deficit at 2.9% of GDP, the primary surplus at 1.2% and gross public debt at 138.6%. Banking system data for March showed weighted average ratios of 15.43% for Common Equity Tier 1 capital, 174.09% for liquidity coverage and 131.51% for net stable funding.