Survey: German consumer confidence unfazed by Paris attacks

Consumer confidence in Germany is rising, apparently unaffected for the time being by the November 13 terror attacks in France, a poll found on Tuesday.

“The terror attacks in Paris in mid-November and the increased dangers of terrorist attacks in Germany don’t seem to be leaving much of an impression on German consumers,” market research company GfK said in a statement.

Looking to January, GfK’s headline household confidence index was forecast to inch up to 9.4 points from 9.3 points in December, the first increase in five months.

“The positive start to the new year paves the way for 2016 also to be a good year for consumers,” GfK said.

“Domestic demand will continue to be an important pillar of economic growth in Germany,” it continued.

Among the possible risks for consumer sentiment, however, was the difficult international situation.

“International flashpoints, mostly in the Middle East, the resulting refugee crisis and increased terror warnings could begin to unnerve consumers and dampen sentiment,” GfK cautioned.