German consumer sentiment set to improve in February - GfK

(Sharecast News) - German consumer sentiment is expected to improve in February, according to a survey released on Wednesday GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM). The forward-looking February consumer climate indicator rose to -24.1 from -26.9 in January.

The willingness to buy indicator rose 3.5 points to -4.0, while the economic expectations indicator ticked up 5.4 points to 6.6.

The indicator for income expectations improved to 5.1 from -6.9.

Rolf Buerkl, head of consumer climate at NIM, said "With the current increase, the consumer climate has recovered a significant portion of the strong losses from the previous month. However, the level remains low.

"The income indicator gains 12 points in January and now stands at 5.1 points. The increase in the minimum wage on January 1, 2026, along with reduced inflation concerns among consumers, is clearly improving income prospects.

"However, it remains to be seen whether the positive trend can be sustained in the coming months. Ongoing geopolitical tensions or an escalation of trade conflicts could quickly tip the mood back into a negative direction. This means that the current upturn remains still fragile."