Investor morale in eurozone unexpectedly up in October ’24

Investor morale in the eurozone unexpectedly improved in October, marking the first increase after three consecutive months of decline, according to a survey released on Monday. The Sentix index for the eurozone rose to -13.8 from -15.4 in September, surpassing analysts’ predictions of a drop to -15.9.

Conducted between October 3 and 5 with 1,150 investors, the survey indicated a rise in expectations, which improved to -3.8 points from -8.0 in September. Factors contributing to this uptick include anticipated rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB) and recent stimulus measures from China.

However, dissatisfaction with the current economic situation continued to weigh on investor sentiment, with the current situation score falling to -23.3, the lowest level this year, down from -22.5 in September.

“The downward economic trend has been halted for the time being,” Sentix noted, suggesting that the euro zone economy is beginning its next attempt to emerge from recession or stagnation.

In Germany, Europe’s largest economy, investor sentiment also improved, with the index rising to -31.5 from -34.7 in September. Despite this increase in expectations, the current situation index remains near this year’s lows.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama