Industrial confidence in the euro area hit a record high in June, European Commission data showed yesterday, pointing to strong economic conditions in the 11-nation zone.

The Commission's monthly business and consumer survey showed the headline economic sentiment index in the euro area at 104.0 for the fourth month in a row.

The Commission said the main contributors to the increase in industry confidence were Italy and Germany with five and four-point increases respectively while France displayed a three-point increase. Data released separately by European Union statistical agency Eurostat showed euro-zone unemployment stable at 9.2 per cent in May.