Recent growth figures, leading indicators and signals from the financial markets suggest that the German economy is performing better than the prevailing sentiment would suggest. Analysis by DWS Public perception suggests that the German economy remains marked by the crises of recent years. The energy crisis, the inflationary shock and the prolonged weakness of the industrial sector have weighed heavily on confidence. However, the latest data paint a more encouraging…

Analysis by Morgan Stanley Jens Eisenschmidt (European macro analyst) summarises the key takeaways from a trip to Berlin with policymakers and experts in economic and defence policy. The main message points to an acceleration of Germany’s reform agenda before the summer, with the focus on pensions, the labour market, defence and public investment. Although implementation will remain gradual, the authorities are seeking to send a clearer signal of their commitment…

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…