Germany

German consumer confidence is on the upswing due to falling unemployment rates and a decrease in the use of a government-funded reduced-work scheme. GfK institute said the overall indicator for consumer optimism is expected to be at 4.1 points for September, up 0.1 points from August, The Associated Press reports.

“Consumers clearly do not believe the recovery of the German economy to be a flash in the pan, but rather expect it to continue,” the institute said. “Companies share the consumers’ optimism.”