The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany recorded a decrease of 7.9 points in June 2018 and now stands at minus 16.1 points. This is the lowest reading since September 2012 and well below the long-term average of 23.3 points. The assessment of the current economic situation in Germany decreased by 6.8 points, leaving the corresponding indicator at 80.6 points.

"The recent escalation in the trade dispute with the United States as well as fears over the new Italian government pursuing a policy which potentially destabilises the financial markets have left their mark on the economic outlook for Germany. On top of this, German industry has been reporting worse than expected figures for exports, production and incoming orders for April. As a result, the economic outlook for the next six months has worsened considerably," comments ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach.