German Investor Confidence Hits Nearly Five-Year High on Growth Hopes: ZEW

German investor confidence jumped sharply in January to its highest level since August 2021, according to the ZEW economic research institute, signalling rising optimism about Europe’s largest economy. The ZEW expectations index climbed to 59.6 points, far exceeding market forecasts of 50.0 and up from 45.8 in December, as investors grew more hopeful that 2026 could mark a turning point for Germany.

Economists attributed the improved sentiment partly to the government’s expansive fiscal package, which includes higher public spending on defence and infrastructure aimed at reversing the economic slowdown. While expectations improved, ZEW President Achim Wambach cautioned that reforms are still needed to enhance Germany’s attractiveness as a business location and ensure sustainable long-term growth.

Despite the upbeat mood, risks remain. Trade tensions, particularly concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on German and other European exports, could weigh on the outlook. The ZEW’s assessment of the current economic situation improved but stayed deeply negative, highlighting that while confidence is recovering, Germany’s economy is not yet out of the woods.

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