BERLIN: Consumer confidence in Germany has hit its highest level in 13 years, leading an increase across Europe, as low energy costs and interest rates helped offset any concerns about the crises in Ukraine and Greece.

A survey released on Thursday showed the rise in German consumer optimism to the highest levels since the dot-com boom buoyed the global economy was driven by an increase in disposable income as energy prices dropped.

The findings were echoed by a report on the wider eurozone, which saw confidence among both consumers and businesses increase to a seven-month high in February.

The region’s economic outlook has brightened also thanks to a weaker euro, which helps exporters, and the European Central Bank’s decision to provide a big monetary stimulus.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2015

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