ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Experts Remain Optimistic

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany has increased by 0.3 points in March 2013. The indicator now stands nearly unchanged at a level of 48.5 points. Hence, after three substantial increases between December 2012 and February 2013, the indicator has stabilised in March at a respectable level.

The political situation in Italy and the rescue package for Cyprus increased the risk for the Eurozone debt crisis to worsen again. These developments have possibly contributed to the fact that the indicator did not increase substantially this month.

"The financial market experts stick to their forecast: the economic situation in Germany is likely to improve over the next months. As before, the Eurozone debt crisis remains the biggest risk. This fact has been brought back to our attention over the last weeks", says ZEW President Prof. Dr. Clemens Fuest.

The assessment of the current economic situation for Germany has improved in March. The respective indicator has increased by 8.4 points and now stands at the 13.6 points-mark.

Economic expectations for the Eurozone have worsened in March. The respective indicator has decreased by 9.0 points to 33.4 points. The indicator for the current economic situation in the Eurozone remains almost unchanged at a level of minus 76.1 points (minus 0.5 points).

For further information please contact

Dr. Christian D. Dick, E-mail dick@zew.de

Frieder Mokinski, Phone +49 621/1235-143, E-mail mokinski@zew.de