By Gokhan Ergocun
ISTANBUL (AA) – Germany’s business climate index was up slightly in April from 86.7 points to 86.9 points month-on-month, the Munich-based Ifo Institute for Economic Research said Thursday.
German firms were more positive about their current situation, the institute said, but their expectations were gloomier.
Uncertainty among companies has risen, and the German economy is preparing for turbulence, it warned.
It said the manufacturing index fell again after a strong increase in the previous month, due to noticeably more pessimistic expectations.
In the service sector, the index improved as companies were more satisfied with the current business situation.
The trade index fell because expectations in particular were again pessimistic while the construction index was at its highest level since May 2023, due to significantly improved expectations.