Fall in German investor sentiment eases

German analyst and investor sentiment fell for a sixth month running in March but the rate of decline eased, boosting prospects…

German analyst and investor sentiment fell for a sixth month running in March but the rate of decline eased, boosting prospects of a more durable upturn for Europe’s largest economy after a weak first quarter.

The Mannheim-based ZEW think tank said its monthly poll of economic sentiment came in at 44.5 in March, down from 45.1 in February. The consensus forecast in a Reuters poll of 43 economists last week was for a fall to 43.7. Euro zone benchmark government bond futures hit a session low after the stronger-than-expected data.

“German business activity has moved from the intensive care unit to rehab. But it is still far from full recovery,” ZEW president Wolfgang Franz said in a statement.