Singular Bank | In April, the GfK consumer confidence index in Germany fell significantly to -28.0 points (against -24.8 points in March), exceeding the decline projected by the consensus of analysts (-27.3). This development is explained by rising uncertainty and inflation expectations in the face of surging energy and other commodity prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The most notable change was the sharp rise in price…

Bankinter | German consumer confidence fell to -28.0 points in April, compared with an expected -27.3 and a previous reading of -24.8 (revised from -24.7). Bankinter analysis team’s view: Concerns over the conflict in the Middle East (and its impact on prices), coupled with the loss of momentum in the German economy and weak GDP growth, are taking their toll on consumer confidence. Current levels represent the lowest confidence rating…

Bankinter | The ZEW Economic Sentiment Survey came in worse than expected in March, reaching its lowest level since April 2025. Expectations fell to negative 0.5 points (compared to the expected 39.2 and the previous 58.3), whilst the Current Situation improved to negative 62.9 (compared to negative 68.0 and the previous 65.9). Bankinter analysis team’s view: Negative reading. The survey, which polls around 350 analysts and investors on expectations and…

Bankinter | The ZEW economic sentiment survey showed somewhat mixed data in February. Expectations fell to 58.3 from 59.6 (against 65.2 expected), while the current situation improved in line with expectations to -65.9 from -72.7. The overall indicator remains stable, signalling that the German economy is entering a still fragile recovery phase. Bankinter analysis team’s view: The largest economy in the European bloc continues to face structural challenges, especially in…

Bankinter | The ZEW economic sentiment survey showed positive data in January. Expectations rebounded more than expected to 59.6 from 45.8 previously versus 50.0 expected, while the current situation accelerated to: -72.7 versus -76.0 expected and -81.0 previously. Bankinter analysis team’s view: Positive data. Among the sectors that drove the improvement in expectations were the metal industry, the pharmaceutical industry and automobiles. However, the sectors that slowed down, albeit more…

Norbolsa | German exports rebounded unexpectedly in October, exceeding expectations of a decline. Meanwhile, exports to the US and China fell sharply. Total exports accelerated by 0.1% compared to the previous month, differing from the forecast of a 0.5% decline. Imports fell by 1.2%, while the overall balance showed a surplus of €16.9 billion in October, compared to €15.3 billion in September. Exports to eurozone countries grew by 2.7%, while…

Norbolsa | German consumer confidence improved slightly in December, as households became more willing to spend money ahead of the Christmas season, although less optimistic income prospects are preventing a stronger recovery. The consumer confidence index published by Gfk rose to -23.2 points in December from -24.1 points the previous month, in line with expectations.

Norbolsa | The Bundesbank issued a warning about the growing risk of financial instability looming over Germany, citing factors such as the erratic trade policy of the United States, overvalued stock markets, excessive debt levels in various parts of the world and deteriorating bank credit quality. It thus made a more negative risk assessment, contrasting with the ECB’s assessment, and saw a greater risk to growth, amplified by tariffs.