ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Further Increase of Confidence

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany has increased by 16.7 points in February 2013. The indicator now stands at a level of 48.2 points. This is the third increase in a row.

As reflected by the latest data on Germany’s gross domestic product, business activity has cooled down significantly towards the end of 2012. However, the increase of the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment in February shows that the financial market experts expect the economic situation to improve during the next months.

"The financial market experts have made their peace with the weak fourth quarter of 2012. In their opinion the German economy faces less headwinds from the euro crisis than throughout the last months. If this situation remains unchanged during the next months, German business activity may pick up speed moderately", says ZEW President Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Wolfgang Franz.

The assessment of the current economic situation for Germany has remained almost unchanged in February. The respective indicator has decreased by 1.9 points and now stands at the 5.2 points-mark.

Economic expectations for the Eurozone have increased significantly in February. The respective indicator has risen by 11.2 points to 42.4 points. The indicator for the current economic situation in the Eurozone has remained almost unchanged and now stands at the minus 75.6 points-mark.

For further information please contact

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

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