The composite index for the euro zone drops in April from -10.6 points to -17.3 points and stands now slightly below last December's value. While the election in Italy led to the first setback for the index in March, the Cyprus issue is, amongst others, an additional strain in April: both sub-indices, the assessment of the economic situation and the 6-month expectations drop again. Expectations are now in the neutral zone. The composite index for Germany is no longer able to keep its distance from the negative development in the euro zone, expectations drop palpably – also taking into consideration weaker assessments ... (full story)