Eurozone consumer confidence in July improved to its highest level since mid-2011, preliminary data released by the European Commission showed on Tuesday.

The flash consumer confidence indicator climbed to -17.4 from -18.8 in June. Economists had forecast a score of -18.3.

The latest confidence reading is the highest since July 2011, when it was -11. The confidence indicator rose for the eighth consecutive month.

Consumer morale improved also in the EU during July, with the indicator rising to -14.8 from -17.5 in June.

Final figures are scheduled to be released along with business and economic sentiment survey data on July 30.