German Ifo business climate unchanged in November

‘Trump effect’ fails to hit optimism over growth prospects

The German national flag flies beside a European Union (EU) flag outside the Chancellery in Berlin. Photograph: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg
The German national flag flies beside a European Union (EU) flag outside the Chancellery in Berlin. Photograph: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

German business morale was unchanged in November, a survey showed on Thursday, suggesting company executives are still optimistic about the growth prospects for Europe’s largest economy despite growing political uncertainties.

The Munich-based Ifo economic institute said its business climate index, based on a monthly survey of some 7,000 firms, was unchanged at 110.4 in November after a slight downward revision to 110.4 from 110.5 previously reported in October.

The November reading compared with a Reuters consensus forecast for a value of 110.5. The October figure was still the highest reading in 2-1/2 years.

“Confidence in the German economy continues to be good,” Ifo chief Clemens Fuest said, adding companies were once again more satisfied with their current business situation, but somewhat less optimistic regarding the coming months.

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"The German economy seems to be unfazed by the election of Donald Trump as US president," Mr Fuest added in a statement.

Reuters