Free Trial

Consumer Pessimism Subsides, but Consumption to Remain Weak

GERMAN DATA
MNI (London)

GERMANY GfK FEB CONSUMER CONF -33.9 (FCST -33.3); JAN -37.6r

  • Germany's GfK consumer sentiment indicator rose for the fourth consecutive month, up 3.7 points in the February expectations at -33.9, just 0.6 points below consensus forecasts.
  • Income expectations alongside economic outlooks improved, largely underpinned by government policies shielding consumers from high energy prices. Economic expectations rebounded to pre-Ukraine-Russia war levels.
  • Household expenditure accounted for the majority of upside pressure on Q3 GDP. Robust spending will be vital if the German economy is to avoid a recession over Q4 and Q1 2023, however, the GfK consumer sentiment index continues to ring warning bells.
  • Febrruary improvements failed to feed into the propensity to buy subindex, which slid further as uncertainty and living costs remain elevated. GfK consumer expert Rolf Buerkl anticipates"private consumption will not be able to positively contribute to overall economic development this year."

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.