Tuesday, October 13, 2009

ZEW still upbeat but slips in latest month

The influential ZEW survey, which measures institutional in Germany, slipped 1.7 points in October to 56.0.  Though a little below expectations, the level remains well above the historical average of 26.7.

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Sentiment among analysts in Europe’s largest economy has soared since late last year, and in my view, got a little ahead of itself (see June 16 post Germany optimism on upward trajectory).  Germany’s economy is export based and an improvement in the global picture, along with a rise in 2Q GDP, suggests a recovery has likely begun.

However, risks remain and Europe’s banking system still faces headwinds from unrealized loan losses. Hence, sentiment may be peaking.

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