ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Economic Outlook Continues to Deteriorate

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany has declined for the second consecutive time in February 2016. The index has decreased by 9.2 points compared to the previous month, now standing at 1.0 points (long-term average: 24.6 points).

"The looming slowdown of the world economy and the uncertain consequences of the falling oil price put a strain on the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment. In view of these developments, the concern over an increased credit default risk has already caused stock and bond prices for many banks in Europe, Japan and the US to slump," says Professor Sascha Steffen, head of the "International Finance and Financial Management" Research Department at ZEW.

The assessment of the current economic situation in Germany has also slightly deteriorated. Falling by 7.4 points, the index now stands at 52.3 points.

Financial market experts’ sentiment concerning the economic development of the Eurozone has weakened. ZEW's Indicator of Economic Sentiment for the Eurozone has decreased by 9.1 points to a reading of 13.6 points. Falling by 0.5 points in February 2016, the indicator for the current situation in the euro area has dropped to a value of minus 8.0 points.

For more information please contact

Dominik Rehse, Phone +49(0)621/1235-378, E-mail rehse@zew.de

Jesper Riedler, Phone +49(0)621/1235-379, E-mail riedler@zew.de

More information and studies on the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment and the release dates 2016 (as PDF file, 28 KB).