German consumer morale climbs as energy prices fall

(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, JAN 24 - German consumer confidence improved at the start of the new year, a key survey showed on Tuesday, as government support measures help keep the lid on energy costs. Pollster GfK said its forward-looking survey of around 2,000 people climbed 3.7 points to reach minus 33.9 points for February, the fourth consecutive monthly increase.

"Falling prices for energy, such as gasoline and heating oil, have ensured that consumer sentiment is less gloomy," said GfK's consumer expert Rolf Buerkl. But he warned that the indicator was still at a "very low level" overall and that the months ahead would remain "difficult" for Europe's top economy.

(ANSA-AFP).

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