Germany’s ZEW sentiment edges higher as euro-area gauge falls in September

Sep 15, 2026 09:04 (38d ago)

Germany’s ZEW sentiment rose for a fifth consecutive month to 34.7 in September 2026, while the euro-area measure fell to 25.8.
Germany’s reading missed a 40.0 forecast, and the euro-area index trailed analysts’ 39.9 expectation.
The German survey covered 196 analysts and investors; euro-area responses were 54.8% unchanged, 35.5% improving and 9.7% deteriorating.

Germany’s ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment rose to 34.7 in September 2026 from 34.2 in August, marking a fifth consecutive monthly improvement and the highest reading since February, according to the existing record. The result missed economists’ 40.0 forecast cited by The Wall Street Journal and a 40.0 Reuters poll forecast. By contrast, the Euro Area ZEW indicator fell to 25.8 from August’s six-month high of 31.4, below the 39.9 analyst expectation. Germany’s current-conditions indicator improved to minus 47.1 from minus 61.1, while the euro-area current-situation gauge rose 7.6 points to minus 13.9. ZEW President Achim Wambach said experts were cautiously optimistic about Germany’s recovery prospects, supported by fiscal measures and export momentum, although high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty remained risks.