Investor confidence in euro zone improved for the sixth straight month

The improved investor confidence in the euro zone for the sixth straight month in February and expectations reached its highest level since June 2007, before the onset of the financial crisis and debt, according to research group Sentix.

  The Sentix monthly index for the euro zone rose to -3.9 in February from -7.0 in January, but was below a Reuters forecast of -3.0. "The general sentiment shows that the euro area economy is poised to grow again," Sentix said in a statement, adding that the index should return to positive numbers soon, maybe next month.


  "Investors have needed some time to recognize that since last summer (with comments from the ECB and politicians on the euro) has been a fundamental and positive change," he added. A sub-index on expectations rose to 15.8 in February, its highest level since June 2007, compared to 12.0 in January.

The current conditions index improved to -21.8 from -24.3 in February. The confidence index for Germany rose to 24.3 in February, its highest level since July 2011, and above the previous 17.7, while expectations were up to 22.1 from 14.6.