The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany recorded an increase of 3.1 points in September 2018 and now stands at minus 10.6 points. The indicator has thus recovered from its low point in July 2018, making a leap of 14.1 within the last two months. However, the indicator is still clearly in negative territory and remains well below the long-term average of 22.9 points. The assessment of the current economic situation in Germany has increased by 3.4 points, leaving the corresponding indicator at 76.0 points.

"During the survey period, the currency crises in Turkey and Argentina intensified, while German industrial production and incoming orders were surprisingly low in July. Despite these unfavourable circumstances, economic expectations for Germany improved slightly. The considerable fears displayed by the survey participants regarding the economic development have diminished somewhat, which may in part be attributable to the new trade agreement between the USA and Mexico," comments ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach.