ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Upward Trend Continues Despite Capital Markets Turmoil

Gaining 13.5 points in January 2015, the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany now stands at 48.4 points (long-term average: 24.5 points). The index has increased for the third consecutive time reaching the highest reading since February 2014.

"The new year started with turmoil in the capital markets. News of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Greece and the Swiss National Bank's decision to abandon the euro cap on the franc's value have led to strong stock market fluctuations. However, this seems not to have impressed ZEW's financial market experts with regard to their expectations on the German economy. Instead, decreasing crude oil prices and a depreciating euro have contributed to a further gain of the indicator," says ZEW President Professor Clemens Fuest.

The assessment of the current situation in Germany is improving as well. Growing by 12.4 points, the index now stands at 22.4 points.

The financial market experts' sentiment concerning the economic development of the Eurozone is also improving. ZEW’s Indicator of Economic Sentiment for the Eurozone has increased by 13.4 points to a reading of 45.2 points.

The indicator for the current situation in the euro area has improved for the first time since May 2014. Gaining 5.7 points in January 2015, the indicator has a current value of minus 57.1 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