MANNHEIM, Germany, March 17 (Reuters) - German analyst and investor sentiment on the outlook for Europe's biggest economy rose unexpectedly in March to its highest level in about a year-and-a-half, a leading survey showed on Tuesday.
The Mannheim-based ZEW economic think tank's monthly poll of economic sentiment rose to -3.5 from -5.8 in February. It was the highest reading since August 2007, ZEW said.
The index was based on a survey of 291 analysts and investors conducted between March 2 and March 16, the ZEW said.
The consensus forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts last
week was for the headline index to fall to -7.4 from the
previous month
A separate ZEW index measuring an assessment of current conditions fell to -89.4 from -86.2 in February. The consensus forecast had been for a drop to -90.0. (Reporting by Krista Hughes) ((Berlin newsroom; Tel: +49 30 2888 5142; Email: berlin.econ@news.reuters.com))