Germany Zew Economic Sentiment Index

Last Release

May 31, 2025

Actual

25.2

Units In

N/A

-14

Frequency

Monthly

Next Release

Jun 17, 2025

Time to Release

1 Months 2 Days 7 Hours

Highest	Lowest	Average	Date Range	Source
89.6 Jan 2000	-63.9 Jul 2008	20.93	1991-2025	Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW)

In Germany, the ZEW Economic Sentiment Index measures the level of optimism that analysts have about the expected economic developments over the next 6 months. The survey covers up to 350 financial and economic analysts. The index is constructed as the difference between the percentage share of analysts that are optimistic and the percentage of analysts that are pessimistic about the development of the economy. Therefore, the ZEW indicator measures the confidence on a scale of -100 (all analysts expect the economy to deteriorate) up to 100 (all analysts expect it to improve). A 0 value indicates neutrality.

Latest Updates

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany surged by 39.2 points to 25.2 in May 2025, rebounding sharply from a near two-year low of -14.0 in April and far surpassing market expectations of 11.9. The survey indicates growing optimism for the next six months, driven by the formation of a new federal government, progress in resolving tariff disputes, and signs of stabilizing inflation. Nearly all sectors reported improved sentiment in May. The outlook is particularly bright for the banking sector, as well as for export-oriented industries such as automotive, chemicals, metals, machinery, and steel. The recent interest rate cut by the European Central Bank—and expectations of further easing—are seen as especially supportive for a recovery in the construction sector. Respondents also anticipate a rebound in domestic demand, which has been sluggish in recent months. Meanwhile, Germany’s current economic assessment held steady at a low level, dipping 0.8 points to -82.0.