The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany recorded an increase of 1.6 points in February 2019, and now stands at -13.4 points. Economists had expected a 1.0 points increase. Although the indicator has improved slightly, it is still in negative territory and remains well below the long-term average of 22.4 points. The assessment of the current economic situation in Germany once again decreased considerably in February, with the corresponding indicator falling by 12.6 points to a level of 15.0 points.

The financial market experts’ assessment concerning the economic development of the Eurozone rose by 4.3 points, leaving the corresponding indicator at a level of -16.6 points. By contrast, the assessment of the current economic situation in the Eurozone saw a further significant decrease in February, falling by 8.3 points to a current level of minus 3.0 points compared to the previous month.

The expectations for the short-term interest rates in the Eurozone also recorded a strong decrease. The corresponding indicator dropped by 5.3 points to a level of 6.8 points.