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German consumer climate predicted to decline mildly in April

Xinhua, March 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

The German consumer climate is to fall slightly with the predicted overall indicator at 9.4 points for April, following a value of 9.5 points in March, market research group GfK reported Thursday.

According to GfK, the overall optimism of German consumers has lessened somewhat in March. Both economic and income expectations, as well as propensity to buy, have suffered losses.

"The weak demand for German products in certain important markets will probably not leave economic growth in Germany unaffected," said Rolf Buerkl, an analyst for the Nuremberg-based research group.

"After a positive start to the year, the consumer climate has now taken a small hit. However, the level remains good, with consumer sentiment still intact," Buerkl added.

In addition, the report noted that the outlook for consumption currently seems to be positive for this year. Given expectations that high employment will continue and energy prices will remain low, 2016 may also be a good year for consumption.

The GfK consumer climate survey has been conducted since 1980. Its findings are based on around 2,000 consumer interviews conducted each month on behalf of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union. Endit