German Consumer Sentiment Declines at Start of 2025
Rising inflation and job security concerns dampen spending confidence, reversing modest gains from late 2024.
- The GfK and NIM consumer climate index for February 2025 is projected to drop to -22.4 points, reflecting a decline in spending confidence.
- Key indicators such as income expectations and willingness to make major purchases have fallen to their lowest levels since August 2024.
- Inflation, which rose to 2.6% in December 2024, continues to pressure household budgets and weaken purchasing power.
- Concerns over job security, fueled by reports of factory closures and production shifts, are further dampening consumer optimism.
- The survey, based on interviews with 2,000 participants, highlights increased savings tendencies as households grow more cautious about financial uncertainty.