Ifo Business Survey June 2012 in Brief

The Ifo Business Climate Index for German industry and trade continued to fall in June. However, assessments of the current business situation brightened somewhat after deteriorating significantly last month. Companies nevertheless reported far lower expectations with regard to their six-month business outlook. The German economy is characterized by increasing uncertainty regarding the euro crisis. Developments differed in individual sectors. In manufacturing and wholesaling the business climate clouded over. In manufacturing assessments of the current situation improved, but expectations dropped dramatically. In wholesaling both components of the index deteriorated slightly. In retailing and construction, on the other hand, the business climate brightened. While the situation in construction was reported to be unchanged, expectations regarding the business outlook improved. In retailing survey participants were more optimistic than last month about the situation and the outlook. The Ifo Employment Barometer for German industry and trade rose again slightly after three successive decreases. However, plans to recruit additional staff remain conservative. This is primarily due to uncertainty arising from the euro crisis.