(Finance) – Consumer confidence in Germany painted a mixed picture in April. While income expectations have continued their recovery, the propensity to buy has shown little change. Conversely, economic expectations have to accept a small setback after rising four times in a row.
L’GFK index, based on the survey conducted this month, shows a value of -29.5 points for April, compared to -30.6 in March (data revised from a preliminary figure of -30.5). The reading is broadly in line with analysts’ expectations, which were for an improvement in sentiment to -29.2 points.
On the other hand, expectations on the economic situation are worsening, with the indicator losing 2.3 points and reaching 3.7. The indicator on the propensity to purchase increased slightly, rising by 0.3 points and settling at -17. That on income expectations rose by 3 points to -24.3.
“A mixed picture emerges from consumer confidence in Germany” – explains the GFK institute in a note – “while income expectations have continued their recovery, the propensity to purchase has shown little change. In contrast, economic expectations show a small setback after increasing four times in a row”.