Germany’s ZEW Current Conditions index showed a notable improvement in February 2026, signaling a slight easing in pessimism among financial market experts, although sentiment remains firmly negative. The indicator rose to -65.9 in February from -72.7 in January 2026, according to data updated on 17 February 2026.
While the move higher suggests that assessments of Germany’s current economic situation are becoming less bleak, the index’s deep negative level still points to considerable ongoing weakness. Market participants will be watching upcoming data to see whether February’s uptick marks the beginning of a more sustained stabilization in Europe’s largest economy or merely a temporary reprieve in a challenging environment.
