Consumer climate – despite the economic crisis,
consumers are in the mood to buy
Findings of the GfK consumer climate study for June 2009
Nuremberg, June 23, 2009 – After several months of stagnation, the mood of consumers in Germany is once again showing a slight upwards trend, with economic and income expectations on the increase and the propensity to buy also improving slightly. The overall indicator is forecasting a value of 2.9 points for July 2009, following a revised value of 2.6 points in June, and is therefore climbing slightly following a period of stability. However, the consumer climate remains at a low level overall.
Following the recent growing number of signs that the economic downturn may be coming to an end, consumer hopes of economic stabilization are intensifying and accordingly, economic expectations are increasing moderately. The fact that the employment market has remained fairly robust is likely to be one reason for this. Reports that the inflation rate stood at 0% in May are having a positive effect on income expectations and the propensity to buy. Although both indicators have recorded increases, income expectations have seen considerably more improvement. The consumer climate is therefore indicating positive development for July. However, the real test is yet to come, given the likelihood of rising unemployment in the months ahead.
Economic expectations: third increase in a row
Economic expectations have increased in June this year, for the third month in a row. The increase of 5.7 points is even more pronounced than in the two preceding months. The indicator currently stands at -22.6 points, which shows that the recovery is continuing into mid-2009 – albeit still at a very low level.
Economic pessimism is declining somewhat and consumers seem to be expecting that the steep economic decline can gradually be halted. Certainly, this increase in the indicator has been supported by the fact that the expected slump on the unemployment market has so far not materialized, and has been deferred by improved short-time working regulations. However, the indicator is still far too low to warrant talk of an incipient recovery from the perspective of consumers.
The increased optimism of financial analysts shows that German citizens are by no means alone in their diminishing pessimism. The medium-term economic expectations of the Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (Centre for European Economic Research, ZEW) have improved noticeably in June, and the ifo business climate has also brightened slightly for the third month in a row. Both institutes therefore perceive a stabilization of the German economy as being possible.
Income expectations: highest value since April 2008
Following slight losses in the previous month, income expectations have once again recorded increases in June this year. The indicator has climbed 6 points to stand at -3.3, which is the highest value since April last year. The decrease in inflation and the prospects for pensioners of a significant boost to their received pension payments as of July 1, 2009 are certainly the important factors buoying up income expectations at present. These factors are counteracting creeping redundancy fears and have held at bay the negative effects on the indicator up to now. However, it is to be expected that the forecasted deterioration on the jobs market will increase these unemployment fears, and will place a great amount of strain on income expectations.
Propensity to buy: slight increases
The propensity to buy not only retained its current good level in June this year, but even improved slightly. Following an increase of 2 points this month, the indicator now stands at 14.5 points, which means that there has even been a considerable improvement of 38 points in comparison with the prior year. In particular, the large decrease in inflation is currently stimulating the propensity to consume. Falling prices, for example as a result of the scrappage bonus, act as incentives to buy. Other industries are also implementing this type of price reduction, in order to encourage consumers to make further purchases.
The fact that consumers have not yet completely regained their trust in the financial markets is also having a positive effect on the propensity to buy. Rather than saving, consumers are currently tending to invest their disposable income in consumer goods.
Consumer climate: improvement, but at a low level
The overall indicator is forecasting a value of 2.9 points for July 2009, following a revised value of 2.6 points in June. The consumer climate is therefore improving slightly, although the level of the indicator remains comparatively low.
It is unclear whether this marks the beginning of a sustained recovery in consumer mood. The development of the employment market over the coming weeks will be decisive.
Press Release by:
GfK SE, Corporate Communications
Marion Eisenblätter
Nordwestring 101
90419 Nuremberg, Germany
For more detailed information about the data and the index please view the information on the website of GfK
For background information on the development of the German Property Market and opportunities in the rental market please view www.berlin-portfolio.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment