The Sentix index is a monthly survey of investor sentiment in the euro zone. Markets watch it because it captures how investors feel before the feeling shows up in spending and trading.

Each month, Sentix polls more than 1,000 investors, including over 200 institutional investors. The October 2026 survey covered 1,030 respondents polled between October 1 and 3.

The index has three parts. The headline index combines the other two. The “current situation” component measures how investors judge conditions right now. The “expectations” component measures where they think things are headed.

In October 2026, the headline euro zone index fell to 2.7 points from 5.1 in September. The current situation held steady at minus 3.3. Expectations fell by 5 points to 8.8, driving the drop.

A falling expectations reading often signals caution ahead. Sentix noted that even in Germany, where hopes of an upturn remain, expectations are dampening.

The index is one of several sentiment gauges, alongside business surveys and consumer confidence, that economists use to read the economy’s direction.