ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Expectations Almost Unaltered

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany moved sidewards in March 2010. The indicator now stands at 44.5 points after 45.1 points in the previous month. This value is well above the indicator’s historical average of 27.2 points.

Thus, the financial market experts expect the economy to recover slowly from the crisis within the next six months. Good news published in January with respect to industrial production and incoming orders in Germany seem to have reassured the financial market experts in this assessment. According to the financial market experts, the export-oriented industries, i.e. mechanical engineering, chemicals, and steel will drive economic growth. "German business activity has moved from the intensive care unit to the rehab. But it is still far from full recovery," says ZEW President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Wolfgang Franz.

In March the assessment of the current economic situation in Germany improves slightly compared to the previous month. The corresponding indicator rises by 2.9 points to minus 51.9 points. The economic expectations for the euro zone decreases in March by 2.3 points. The respective indicator now stands at 37.9 points. The indicator for the current economic situation in the euro zone improves by 0.8 points and now stands at minus 61.3 points.

For further information please contact

Christian David Dick, Phone: +49/621/1235-305, Fax: -223, E-Mail: dick@zew.de

Frieder Mokinski, Phone: +49/621/1235-143, Fax: -223, E-Mail: mokinski@zew.de