The Trade Association Germany (HDE) does not expect that the local consumers’ buying mood will brighten up in the coming weeks. “The ongoing political and economic uncertainties ensure that consumers are currently not looking at the next few pessimistic nor much more optimistic than before,” said the industry organization on Monday.
The association referred to the results of the current HDE consumption barometer for March. The monthly index, which is based on the survey of 1,600 people on consumer -relevant topics, had almost unchanged compared to the previous month of February. “With a view to private consumption, consumers continue to behave and reserved,” said the HDE. “Therefore, noticeable growth in the coming months is not to be expected.”
In view of the upcoming government formation, consumers behave: “waiting” on the inside
Current stagnation led by the students: inside the current political situation in Germany. “The result of the Bundestag election has been determined, but the new federal government will only have formed in some time and will start work,” emphasized the association. “Until then, it is unclear which political measures the government program provides and what it means in everyday life for consumers. Due to this persistent uncertainty, consumption retention predominates. ”
Overall, the nuclear indicators of the HDE consumption barometer hardly changed in March. The respondents assessed the general economic development somewhat more negative than in February, but were slightly more optimistic about the development of their own income.
At the same time, the inclination tendency increased slightly compared to the previous month. According to the study author, however, it was still significantly below the level of the same month. The endeavor to create savings remained almost unchanged compared to February.