ifo Media Center
The ifo Institute invites you to participate in the discussion of interesting economic topics via the Internet. In our ifo Media Center a whole series of remarkable events are available and can be viewed in full length. We also record selected speeches and presentations given by employees or at events and make them available in our Media Center.
Business Climate Eastern Germany Rises a Second Time in a Row
The ifo Business Climate Index Eastern Germany rose considerably in April from 90.2 in March to 92.3 points. The eastern German companies surveyed provided assessments of their business situation that were somewhat better than the previous month, and they raised their business expectations substantially.
Business Climate In German Retail Improves Again
The ifo Business Climate in retail brightened further in April and rose to -14.5 points, up from -17.5 in March. Assessments of the current business situation improved significantly. Retailers’ business expectations also became somewhat more optimistic, but remain largely cautious.
ifo Price Expectations Rise Slightly
The ifo price expectations for companies in Germany rose a little to 15.1 points in April, up from 14.3 in March. “Inflation is unlikely to fall any further in the coming months and is set to remain at just over 2%,” says ifo-expert Sascha Möhrle.
ifo Employment Barometer Falls
The ifo Employment Barometer for companies in Germany slipped to 96.0 points in April, down from 96.3 in March. “A lack of orders is causing some companies to put the brakes on hiring,” ifo-expert Klaus Wohlrabe explains. “But service providers in some industries, such as data processing and tourism, are taking people on.”
Celebrate with us!
The jubilee year of ifo and CESifo is titled "75 Years of ifo – 75 Stories." Visit us now at celebrate.ifo.de, the anniversary website showcasing people, places, and times that are significant to the history of our institute in the context of our anniversary year. Explore the first batch of multimedia content now and celebrate with us!
German Export Expectations Rise
Sentiment in the German export industry has turned brighter. The ifo Export Expectations rose from -1.5 in April to +0.3 points in May. “Positive and negative responses are in nearly perfect balance,” explains Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at ifo. “The export economy is not yet developing any great momentum overall.”
German Export Expectations Fall
Sentiment in the German export industry has clouded over a little. The ifo Export Expectations fell to -2.0 points in April, down from -1.2 in March. “The export economy lacks momentum at present. While the global economy offers many good prospects for growth, these aren’t yet being reflected in additional orders”, explains ifo-expert Klaus Wohlrabe.
ifo Business Climate Index Rises (April 2024)
Sentiment has improved at companies in Germany. The ifo Business Climate Index rose to 89.4 points in April, up from 87.9 points1 in March. This is its third consecutive rise. Companies were more satisfied with their current business. Their expectations also brightened. The economy is stabilizing, especially thanks to service providers.
EU Accession Country Workers Fill German Labor Market Gaps
Exactly 20 years after accession to the EU, approximately 820,000 workers from these ten countries are now employed in Germany. That accounts for 2.4% of the German workforce. “Contrary to the fears of many, this has not led to German workers being pushed out of the labor market,” notes Joachim Ragnitz, Managing Director of ifo Dresden.
How Can Companies Integrate AI Meaningfully Into Business Models?
AI will change many things in the future, including companies' business models. The question is how companies can use it to stay ahead of the competition. And where can Europe achieve a leading global position? Discuss this topic with Nicole Büttner, CEO of the AI company Merantix Momentum, live on site at the MED or online.
Economic Experts Expect Slight Decline In Inflation Worldwide
Economic experts from around the world expect inflation rates to decline in the years ahead. This is among the findings of the Economic Experts Survey. The inflation rate worldwide will reach 4.6% in 2024, then 4.4% next year, and 4.0% in 2027. In Germany, inflation for this year is expected to reach 3.1%, in Austria 4.2, and in Switzerland 1.8.
German Companies Plan To Cut Investment
Companies in Germany have revised their investment plans for the current year downward. The ifo investment expectations fell to -0.1 points in March, down from +1.2 points in November. “Global demand for capital goods and intermediate goods remains weak and uncertainties persist regarding economic policy,” explains ifo-expert Lara Zarges.
Innovation in Germany and the EU - A Path of Strength?
Are we still innovative or have other countries long since left us behind? How do Germany and the EU compare internationally and what is needed for a successful innovation policy? Get to know more about these topics in the new issue of the ifo Schnelldienst 4/2024.
Uncertainty Dampens The Mood Of The Self-Employed In Germany
Uncertainty among the self-employed in Germany has increased in March. Thus, the business climate for this segment has deteriorated with the index falling to -15.6 points, down from -14.6 points in February. “Contrary to the situation in the other sectors of the economy, the self-employed are experiencing increasing doubt,” explains Katrin Demmelhuber.
Business Climate in the German Chemical Industry Brightens
The business climate in Germany’s chemical industry improved in March, with the index rising to -10.5 points, up from minus 15.5 points in February. Especially business expectations improved sharply to -2.9 points, up from minus 14.9 points in February.
Availability of Materials in Germany Approaching Pre-coronavirus Levels
German manufacturers hardly have to struggle with material shortages anymore. In March, 10.2% of the companies surveyed reported shortages, down from 14.6% in February. “The supply of raw materials and intermediate products has recently seen significant improvement,” notes ifo-expert Klaus Wohlrabe.
Cancellations Hit One In Five Residential Construction Companies In Germany
Cancellations in German residential construction have increased, with 19.6% companies reporting canceled orders. In February, the figure was 17.7%. “The situation in residential construction remains tense,” explains ifo-expert Klaus Wohlrabe. “There aren’t enough new orders to offset the cancellations.”
Fewer German Companies Dependent On China
37% of all manufacturing companies in Germany say they are currently dependent on important intermediate products from China. This shows that the level of dependency has fallen, as in February 2022, immediately before the start of the war in Ukraine, the figure was 46%.
Economists Call For Reform Of EU Research Policy
A report by a group of economists from France, Germany and Italy criticizes the EU’s innovation policy and the direction of spending on research and development in Europe and calls for changes. "The continent is caught in a mid-tech trap", warn ifo President Clemens Fuest.
Germany Only In The Middle Of The Pack
Germany’s current attractiveness as a location for homegrown companies ranks only in the middle among its European peers. When asked to rate Germany’s attractiveness as a business location, the experts there awarded it 61.3 points out of a possible 100. Austria achieved 72.4 points, while Switzerland scored 72.6 points.
