The index of expectations of investors and analysts regarding the German economy for the next 6 months (confidence index) in May 2022 rose to minus 34.3 points from minus 31 points in April, according to the data of the research institute ZEW. In April, the indicator fell by 1.7 points, and in March collapsed at once by 93.6 points, which was the maximum in the history of calculations of the ZEW index since December 1991.

The index of investors’ and analysts’ attitudes toward the current situation in the German economy fell to minus 36.5 points this month from minus 30.8 points in April.

“ZEW economic expectations rose slightly this month but remain at a relatively low level. The market is concerned about the ongoing lockdowns in China, which could also affect the development of the German economy. As for the ECB’s monetary policy, the vast majority of experts expect interest rates to rise over the next six months. Accordingly, inflation is expected to slow down,” said ZEW President Prof. Achim Wambach, whose words are quoted in the press release.

The ZEW Institute’s index of business confidence in the eurozone economy rose to minus 29.5 this month from minus 43 points a month earlier. Meanwhile, the indicator of the current economic situation in the euro zone decreased by 6.5 p. – to minus 35 points.