ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment - Positive Outlook Confirmed

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany has increased by 16.9 points to a level of 22.3 points in March 2012. Thus, the indicator has risen for the fourth consecutive time. It displays its highest level since June 2010.

The further increase of economic sentiment confirms the positive outlook for the economic situation in Germany. Good industrial production data for January apparently convince  financial market experts that the recent slowdown of growth dynamics will not seriously affect the generally robust economic situation in Germany.

"Currently, it seems as if the crisis in the Eurozone has taken a pause for breath. In Germany, due to the good employment situation, domestic demand is likely to continue to stimulate growth. Nevertheless, risks remain due to the low business activity in important European countries and the disruptions in the banking sector," says ZEW President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Wolfgang Franz.

The assessment of the current economic situation for Germany remains almost unchanged in March. The corresponding indicator has decreased by 2.7 points to the 37.6 points-mark.

Economic expectations for the eurozone have increased by 19.1 points in March. The respective indicator now stands at 11.0 points. The indicator for the current economic situation in the eurozone has increased by 0.7 points and now stands at minus 48.4 points.

For further information please contact

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

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