GfK’s German consumer sentiment index for May improved

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 29. 11:17

Instead of the deterioration expected by analysts, the German consumer sentiment index for May from the Nuremberg-based GfK economic research institute improved, reflecting households’ improved expectations about the economy and their income prospects.

According to data released on Tuesday, the May indicator improved to minus 20.6 points from minus 24.3 points in April. Analysts had expected the indicator to fall even lower, to minus 25.6 points. A year ago, the indicator was at minus 24 points.

Income expectations rose to a six-month high of 4.3 points from minus 3.1 points in April. The willingness to buy improved for the second month, strengthening from minus 8.2 points to minus 4.9 points, with a reading above zero indicating an annual increase in household consumption, while a reading below zero indicates a decline.

Economic expectations improved for the third consecutive month, with the subsequent indicator rising from 6.9 points to 7.2 points. Meanwhile, the willingness to save fell sharply, from 13.8 points to 8.4 points, indicating an increase in consumer confidence.