The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for the Euro Area fell by 7.3 points to 18.5 in October 2026, reaching its lowest level in four months and falling short of market expectations of 23.6. The decline points to weakening investor confidence amid continued uncertainty over the Iran conflict and limited prospects for a resolution. Survey results showed that 67.1% of analysts expected economic activity to remain unchanged over the coming months, while 25.7% anticipated an improvement and 7.2% forecast a deterioration. Assessments of current economic conditions also weakened, with the corresponding index slipping 0.9 points to -14.8. Meanwhile, inflation expectations fell sharply, dropping 26.4 points to 4.7.
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