Survey Results
The Business Surveys have made the ifo Institute known around the world and have become a key service for scholars, policymakers, and the public at large. The indices that are regularly generated from this data help decision-makers in companies, industry associations, government agencies, and politics reliably assess economic developments. The data collected on a regular basis is also included in the ifo Economic Forecast. Economists at ifo, as well as external researchers, can use microdata from ifo surveys, for example, to analyze patterns of economic behavior. The ifo Institute’s survey technology has proved its worth: It is now used in more than 50 countries.
Warning About Fraudulent Calls Allegedly on Behalf of the ifo Institute
There has been a recent increase in fraudulent phone calls in which callers falsely claim to be acting on behalf of the ifo Institute. The ifo Institute never requests payment for participation in surveys.
Business Climate Index
ifo Business Climate Index Rises (July 2026)
Business sentiment among companies in Germany has improved. The ifo Business Climate Index rose to 86.6 points in July, up from 85.7 points in June , due to a significant improvement in expectations. However, companies were somewhat less satisfied with their current business performance. Despite the uncertain situation in the Persian Gulf, companies are less pessimistic.
ifo Business Climate Eastern Germany: Heat Carries Through to Midsummer (July 2026)
The ifo Business Climate Index for Eastern Germany brightened somewhat in July compared the previous month. The barometer of business sentiment for the regional economy in Eastern Germany rose from 88.1 points in June to 89.1 points in July. The eastern German companies surveyed slightly lowered their assessment of current business and were at the same time noticeably more optimistic about future business.
ifo Business Climate Index for Saxony Rises Noticeably in July (July 2026)
The ifo Business Climate Index for Saxony rose noticeably in July. The barometer of business sentiment in Saxony’s economy rose from 91.6 points in June to 93.4 points in July. The companies surveyed assessed their business situation as somewhat better than in the previous month and also noticeably raised their expectations for business in the coming months.
Further Results of ifo Business Surveys
German Export Expectations up Only Slightly (July 2026)
Sentiment in the German export industry has improved only marginally. The ifo Export Expectations rose to -3.3 points in July, up from -3.6 points in June. “The export industry is still struggling to gain momentum,” says Klaus Wohlrabe. “Companies are hoping for a stronger boost from international sales markets.”
Companies in Germany Cutting Fewer Jobs (July 2026)
Companies in Germany are planning to cut somewhat fewer jobs. The ifo Employment Barometer rose to 93.0 points in July, up from 92.2 points in June. “The labor market is stabilizing somewhat, but still remains in troubled waters,” says Klaus Wohlrabe. “A turnaround will require even greater economic momentum.”
Just Under Half of Self-Employed in Germany Complain of Lack of Orders
About one in two self-employed in Germany (47.3%) report a lack of orders, according to the latest ifo survey. “Many self-employed feel that their customers are holding back on awarding projects,” says ifo expert Katrin Demmelhuber. “At the same time, private consumer demand remains subdued.”
