ZEW Indicator of Ecnomic Sentiment - Economic Expectations Decline but Remain at a High Level
ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment
Economic Expectations for Germany have declined in February 2014. The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment has decreased by 6.0 points and now stands at a level of 55.7 points (historical average: 24.5 points).
The cautious expectations in this month’s survey are likely to be caused by some uncertainties which came to the fore recently. Weak employment figures as well as some damped leading indicators have, for instance, caused concern in the US that the current economic upswing could lose momentum. Furthermore, the volatile capital markets in some emerging economies reflect uncertainties regarding their economic prospects in the medium term.
“This month’s decline in economic expectations must not be overstated. The majority of surveyed financial market experts remain optimistic,” says ZEW President Prof. Dr. Clemens Fuest. The indicator reflecting the expert’s assessment of the current economic situation for Germany has gained 8.8 points in February, reaching a level of 50.0 points, its highest mark since August 2011.
Economic expectations for the Eurozone have also declined in February. The respective indicator has lost 4.8 points and now stands at a level of 68.5 points. The indicator for the current economic situation in the Eurozone has improved by 8.0 points to a level of minus 40.2 points.
For further information please contact
Frieder Mokinski, Phone +49 621/1235-143, E-mail mokinski@zew.de
Jesper Riedler, Phone +49 621/1235-379, E-mail riedler@zew.de