Germany’s Consumer Sentiment Sees Slight Uptick, But Uncertainty Persists

The consumer climate index rises marginally to -24.5, with hopes for recovery tied to policy implementation and lingering caution reflected in high savings rates.

The consumer climate index for April 2025 increased by 0.1 points to -24.5, signaling a slight improvement in sentiment but remaining at a historically low level.
Economic expectations rose significantly by 5.7 points to 6.9, reflecting consumer optimism about potential recovery.
Despite modest gains in income expectations and willingness to make major purchases, high savings rates—up 4.4 points to 13.8—highlight ongoing consumer caution.
The study attributes improved sentiment partly to federal elections and announced fiscal stimulus, but emphasizes the importance of implementing these measures effectively.
Data from the GfK and NIM survey, conducted between February 27 and March 10, 2025, underscores structural challenges and uncertainty as barriers to sustained recovery.