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Data from ZEW / IFO / GfK. Forecasts by Sigmanomics Forecast Engine.
GermanyGermany Ifo Current Conditions climbed to 86.1 in May 2026
ZEW / IFO / GfKMonthlyReleased May 2026
Germany Ifo Current Conditions climbed to 86.1 in May 2026, up 0.7 from April's 85.4 reading. The reading matched the 85.1 consensus. Over the past 3 months, Ifo Current Conditions averaged 86.27, vs 85.63 in the prior 3-month window. The reading is in the 56th percentile of the trailing 24-month range.
Latest Release
86.1
Actual
85.1
Consensus
85.4
Previous
Median Absolute Error
±0.55
across last 12 releases
Last Call
May 2026
Predicted: 85.45
Actual: 86.1
Error: -0.65
Sigmacast Σ-direction model: consensus + ½ × mean(surprise, trailing 90d).
CORRELATED SYMBOLS— markets that historically move with this indicator
| Symbol | Direction | Correlation | Asset Class | Signal Bias | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTSE 100 | ▼ Inverse | −0.67 | INDEX | Bearish FTSE 100 | → View |
| BTC/USD | ▼ Inverse | −0.47 | CRYPTO | Bearish BTC | → View |
| S&P 500 | ▼ Inverse | −0.29 | INDEX | Bearish S&P 500 | → View |
| EUR/USD | ▲ Direct | +0.25 | FOREX | Bullish EUR | → View |
Correlation based on 12-month rolling window. Click any symbol to view its Sigmanomics forecast page.
THE RELEASE
Ifo Current Conditions (Germany) was reported at 86.10 in May 2026. This beat the market consensus of 85.10 by 1.00. The reading rose from the previous value of 85.40. Trailing 12-month context per ETL data through May 2026. Over the past 12 months, the indicator has averaged 86.05, ranging from 85.30 to 86.70 across 11 releases.
WHY IT MATTERS
The trailing three releases averaged 86.50, up from the prior three at 85.63. Volatility over the past year (σ 0.47) is lower than the prior year (σ 1.09). In May readings over the past 3 years, Ifo Current Conditions has averaged 86.83.
THE MODEL'S TAKE
Historically, this indicator is negatively correlated with FTSE 100 (Bearish FTSE 100). A secondary relationship exists with BTC/USD, negatively correlated (Bearish BTC). Over the last 12 releases, the Sigmacast model's median absolute error is 0.55.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The next release is scheduled for June 24, 2026. Same-country events in the next 14 days include Wholesale Prices MoM (Jun 15) and Wholesale Prices YoY (Jun 15).
Auto-generated from current model state · Refreshes on each release · Last update May 2026.
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Ifo Current Conditions - DE
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About Ifo Current Conditions — Germany
DEFINITION
Ifo Current Conditions is a widely recognized financial indicator that measures the current economic situation in Germany. It is based on a monthly survey of over 9,000 businesses across various industries, providing valuable insights into the country's economic performance. This indicator is closely monitored by investors, policymakers, and analysts as it reflects the overall health of the German economy and can impact financial markets. A higher Ifo Current Conditions reading indicates a strong economy, while a lower reading suggests a weaker economic environment.
WHY THIS INDICATOR MATTERS
Sentiment surveys are forward-looking inputs that often lead hard data on output and hiring. Sharp swings can drive cross-asset repricing. Surprises against consensus can drive short-term moves, particularly when the print breaks an established trend. Released monthly.
WHAT CHANGED THIS MONTH
Latest reading (May 2026): actual 86.1, consensus 85.1. Prior reading (Apr 2026): 85.4. Before that (Mar 2026): 86.7.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sigmacast's 1-month forecast points to a similar reading versus the latest print, with the 3-month outlook reinforcing that direction. Both horizons are aligned bullish for this indicator, suggesting a consistent trend signal. Trend-driven dynamics are the primary headwind in the current projection. This indicator correlates most strongly with FTSE 100 (Bearish FTSE 100, r=-0.67) — a useful reference for index-focused traders.