German sentiment rises more than expected

German analyst and investor sentiment on the outlook for Europe's biggest economy improved by more than expected in January, a survey showed this morning.

The Mannheim-based ZEW economic think tank's monthly poll of economic sentiment rose to -31.0 from -45.2 in December. The index was based on a survey of 312 analysts and investors conducted between January 5th and Januart 20th, the ZEW said.

The consensus forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts last week was for the headline index to edge up to -44.0.

A separate ZEW index measuring an assessment of current conditions fell to -77.1 from -64.5 in December. The consensus forecast had been for a drop to -71.