The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany increased substantially by 6.7 points in April 2017. The indicator now stands at 19.5 points, thereby reaching its highest level since August 2015. Though the long-term average as calculated from the beginning of the survey (December 1991) is yet to be beaten, these results are comparable to the expectations prior to the Brexit vote in June 2016.

"The German economic situation has proved fairly robust in the first quarter. This is highlighted by the solid figures for growth in industrial production, the construction sector and retail sales from February. In addition, the consistently high labour demand has boosted private consumption. The financial market experts expect this positive development to continue," comments ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach .