The ZEW survey that tracks investor confidence in Germany has rose to 53 points - this is its highest score since February of last year.

The index is the latest in a series of positive economic indicators coming from Germany.

Last week the economy recorded better than expected growth figures for the final quarter of 2014 - growing by 0.7 percent.

Given the strong performance of the economy towards the end of last year, analysts had expected the index to rise to 55.

These figures were recorded before the recent escalation in the current standoff between German officials and Athens' government. 

ZEW's President, Clemens Fuest said that, "The intensification of the Ukraine crisis and the collision course of the new Greek government are dampening expectations."

The ECB's quantitative easing programme - a prolonged spell of cheap energy prices, and the weakening of the euro have all helped to buoy investor confidence.