The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany recorded a decrease of 8.6 points in July 2018 and now stands at minus 24.7 points. This is the lowest reading since August 2012 and well below the long-term average of 23.2 points. Since the beginning of the year, expectations have sunk by a considerable 45.1 points.

The assessment of the current economic situation in Germany decreased by 8.2 points, leaving the corresponding indicator at 72.4 points.