ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Economic Expectations Decline Significantly

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany declines significantly in August 2014. The respective indicator has lost 18.5 points and now stands at 8.6 points (long-term average: 24.6 points). Decreasing for the eighth consecutive time, the indicator has reached its lowest level since December 2012. The current decline is the strongest since June 2012.

The decline in economic sentiment is likely connected to the ongoing geopolitical tensions that have affected the German economy by now. In particular, current figures on industrial production and incoming orders suggest markedly reduced investment activities on the part of German firms against the backdrop of uncertain sales prospects. Since the economy in the Eurozone is not gaining momentum either, the signs are that economic growth in Germany will be weaker in 2014 than expected.

The assessment of the current economic situation in Germany has decreased as well. The respective indicator has lost 17.5 points and now stands at 44.3 points.

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for the Eurozone also declined significantly in August. The indicator has lost 24.4 points compared to the previous month, now standing at 23.7 points. The indicator for the current economic situation in the euro area decreased in August by 2.3 points to a value of minus 33.8 points.

For further information please contact

Dr. Frieder Mokinski, Phone +49 (0)621/1235-143, e-mail mokinski@zew.de

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