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Consumer Confidence Waivers in Germany
German consumers continue to express “very pronounced” willingness to buy. But a closely tracked index of their confidence in the future fell for the fourth consecutive month, indicating a rising sense of caution among buyers.
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German consumers continue to express “very pronounced” willingness to buy. But a closely tracked index of their confidence in the future fell for the fourth consecutive month, indicating a rising sense of caution among buyers.
The Nuremberg-based GfK Group’s consumer confidence outlook index dropped to 9.3 from 9.4 in November.
Two-thirds of those surveyed believe unemployment will worsen in coming parts, mainly because of the statistical impact of the country’s influx of refugees from the Middle East. Yet few Germans believe the effect will impact their own jobs.
GfK also finds continued optimism about growth in household income. The research group cautions that the impact of the terrorist attacks in Paris, which occurred the day the latest survey was completed, could hurt consumer sentiment.
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