expectations for economic growth in germany worsened in september for the third consecutive month data from the zew economic research institute showed tuesday the index of economic expectations fell to minus 619 in september from minus 553 in august economists polled by the wall street journal had projected the index declining to minus 580 the prospect of energy shortages in winter has made expectations even more negative for large parts of the german industry and growth in china is assessed less favorably said zews president achim wambach in the report the experts also assess the current economic situation more negatively than in the previous month the index gauging current conditions fell sharply to minus 605 in september from minus 476 in august below economists expectations of minus 500 the latest statistical figures already show a decline in incoming orders production and exports mr wambach said