Financial News: German Economic Confidence Falls Unexpectedly

German Economic Confidence Falls Unexpectedly

02/17/2026 - 05:48:00 (RTTNews)

(RTTNews) - German economic confidence weakened unexpectedly in February after a strong rebound at the start of the year, the financial market survey conducted by the think tank ZEW showed Tuesday.

The ZEW indicator of economic sentiment dropped to 58.3 in February from 59.6 in January, which was the highest since July 2021. The score was forecast to rise further to 65.2.

On the other hand, the assessment of the current economic situation continued to improve, with the corresponding index climbing to -65.9 from -72.7 in the prior month. The expected reading was -65.7.

"The ZEW Indicator remains stable," ZEW President Achim Wambach said. "The German economy has entered a phase of recovery, albeit a fragile one," the president added. Further, he observed that there are still considerable structural challenges, especially for industry and private investment. The impending reforms of the system of social insurances should be used to significantly enhance Germany's attractiveness as a business location, said Wambach.

In February, the export-oriented sectors showed moderate to strong improvements. Prospects particularly improved for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, steel and metal production and mechanical engineering.

The survey showed that prospects for private spending are improving despite continuing uncertainty. However, banks and insurance and the information technology sector showed negative development.

Economic confidence in the euro area as a whole also weakened in February. The corresponding index fell to 39.4 from 40.8 in January. Meanwhile, the current situation index rose to -13.6 from -18.1 in the previous month.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Market News provided by RTTNews

RECENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

Bulgaria Retail Sales Growth Eases To 3.9% (06 hr(s), 11 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Bulgaria's retail sales growth moderated in January amid fall in sales of food pro ...Full Story»

Eurozone Investor Confidence Softens Amid Iran Conflict (07 hr(s), 14 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Eurozone investor confidence weakened to a three-month low in March after the outbreak ...Full Story»

Estonia Industrial Output Growth Strongest In 9 Months (08 hr(s), 03 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Estonia's industrial production expanded at the quickest pace in nine months in Ja ...Full Story»

Swiss Consumers Equally Pessimistic In February (08 hr(s), 23 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Swiss consumer confidence held steady and negative in February, monthly survey results ...Full Story»

Taiwan Trade Surplus Rises In February (08 hr(s), 43 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Taiwan's foreign trade surplus increased notably in February from a year ago as ex ...Full Story»

Czech Trade Surplus Grows In January (08 hr(s), 58 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The Czech Republic's foreign trade surplus increased in January from a year ago as ...Full Story»

German Industrial Output Falls Unexpectedly, Orders Plunge (09 hr(s), 47 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Germany's industrial production declined unexpectedly in January and factory order ...Full Story»

Lithuanian Inflation Rises To 3.6% (10 hr(s), 19 min(s), 11 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Lithuania's consumer price inflation accelerated for the first time in four months ...Full Story»