German consumer sentiment edges up by June — GfK forecast

According to a GfK survey released Tuesday, German consumer sentiment improved marginally by June, though households maintained a cautious approach to spending.

The consumer sentiment index in Germany rose by 0.9 points month-on-month to -19.9, slightly below the forecast by Reuters-polled analysts. While improved income expectations supported the uptick, weaker consumer buying intent and higher savings propensity offset the gains.

This marks the third consecutive monthly increase in the overall index, though the recovery pace is slowing. Rolf Buerkl of the Nuremberg Institute for Market Solutions cited economic uncertainty, trade tariff disputes, and the prospect of stagnant German GDP for a third straight year as key dampening factors.

Meanwhile, the new German government’s plans to stimulate the export-driven economy face headwinds from escalating US tariff tensions. These challenges have prompted Berlin to retract its 2026 growth forecast, Reuters reported.