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 Rises (October 2026)
Business sentiment in Germany has improved. The ifo Business Climate Index rose to 90.2 points in October, up from 89.9 points in September. This was due to more optimistic expectations. Companies, however, assessed their current situation as slightly worse. The economic recovery is continuing.
ifo Business Climate Eastern Germany Improves Again (October 2026)
The ifo Business Climate Index for Eastern Germany brightened again somewhat in October compared to September. The barometer of business sentiment for the regional economy in Eastern Germany rose from 91.2 points in September to 92.2 points in October. The eastern German companies surveyed assessed the current business situation as marginally better and at the same time were significantly more optimistic about their business expectations.
ifo Business Climate Index Saxony Brightens Significantly in October (October 2026)
The ifo Business Climate Index for Saxony rose considerably in October. The barometer of business sentiment in Saxony’s economy went up from 91.3 points in September to 96.9 points in October. The companies surveyed reported a considerably better business situation than in the previous month and significantly raised their expectations for future business.
Further Results of ifo Business Surveys
ifo Export Expectations in Germany Rise (October 2026)
Sentiment among German exporters improved considerably in October. The ifo Export Expectations rose to 12.2 points, up from 9.0 points in September. That’s the highest level since February 2022. “The automotive industry in particular has significantly revised its export outlook upward,” says Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at ifo. “The signs also point to export growth in many other industrial sectors.”
Companies in Germany Looking to Cut Fewer Jobs (October 2026)
Companies in Germany are planning to cut somewhat fewer jobs overall. The ifo Employment Barometer rose slightly in October to 95.5 points, up from 95.1 points in September. “Companies are becoming somewhat more cautious when it comes to cutting jobs. However, the upturn still lacks the strength for a broad expansion of the workforce,” says Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at ifo.
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.”
