Key facts
- German consumer sentiment index rose to -26.6 for September.
- This is an improvement from -29.4 in August.
- Economic and income expectations contributed to the rise.
- Willingness to buy remained subdued, indicating persistent caution.
German consumer sentiment is poised to increase heading into September, according to a survey by the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM) and GfK. The consumer sentiment index rose to -26.6 points from a revised -29.4 in August, exceeding the average analyst estimate of -29.6. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase, indicating a slight upward trend despite persistent uncertainties. The overall index was boosted by positive income expectations and an improvement in economic outlook, though these remain at low levels. The 'willingness to buy' indicator remained cautious at -9.8, while the 'willingness to save' stood at 15.5. A reading above zero for the consumer climate indicator signals year-on-year growth in private consumption.