Consumer sentiment in Germany is ‘stabilising’ after seeing a distinct slowdown in May, according to the latest consumption barometer from 'Handelsverband Deutschland' (HDE).
The HDE consumption barometer for June has fallen in comparison with the previous year, although consumer sentiment is higher than in the first quarter of 2019.
Domestic Trend
In view of the weakening labour market, HDE is calling on politicians to send the right signals in order to keep domestic trends stable.
"The good economic situation is based above all on the positive employment figures. But the job market seems to be stuttering. The Federal Government therefore urgently needs to send signals to stabilise domestic trends,” said Stefan Genth, HDE chief executive.
This includes proving relief for small and medium sized businesses, well as more financial scope for companies to create jobs.
Among consumers, the propensity to buy is increasing and the propensity to save is declining, the study found. This means that private consumption is likely to remain the central pillar of the German economy in the next months.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jana Zimmermann. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
