A fundamental lightening of the consumption mood in Germany is still not foreseeable. The Trade Association of Germany (HDE) registered a slight improvement of the buying mood for April, but “no spirit of optimism” among consumers: inside. “There will be no noticeable recovery of consumption until further notice,” said the industry organization on Monday.
The association referred to the current HDE consumption barometer for April. The monthly index, which is based on the survey of 1,600 people on consumer -relevant topics, had risen slightly compared to the previous month of March, but had not changed significantly compared to April 2024.
The outcome of the Bundestag election ensures “not euphoria”
Even the first decisions after the Bundestag election at the end of February did not bring any noticeable impulses. The “large federal policy financial announcements for investment packages” could be able to “do not yet provide euphoria” with consumers: the HDE stated. The mood of the consumer: “still only behavior” develops inside.
According to the current consumer barometer, the respondents recently assessed the development of the overall economy somewhat more optimistic. However, the possible consequences of the US government’s customs plans announced just a few days ago have not yet been taken into account. With regard to the development of their own income, consumers showed themselves: according to the survey results, “even more reserved”. The corresponding index hardly changed compared to the previous month.
Commercial association sees the recovery of the buying mood only “in extremely small steps”
It was slightly up to the purchase tendency. This has increased “minimal” compared to March, but was “below the previous year of the previous year,” said the HDE. At the same time, the students registered: Inside “a slight reduction in future savings efforts” by consumers: inside. Overall, the buying mood is only “upwards in extremely small steps,” the association summed up. “There will be no clear recovery of private consumption in the foreseeable future.”
However, a lot depends on the upcoming domestic points of the course for the HDE. “The formation of the new federal government and then in particular its project should be decisive,” emphasized the industry organization. “This continues to wait for a real recovery of consumer mood.”