1st LD Writethru: Ifo Business Climate Index rises for sixth consecutive month in April

The Ifo Business Climate Index for industry and trade in Germany rose for the sixth consecutive month from 107.9 points in March to 108.6 points in April, the Ifo institute reported Friday.

"The German economy continues its recovery," Ifo president Hans-Werner Sinn said.

The indices of business expectations in manufacturing and wholesaling are more favorable, due to far more optimistic business expectations, according to the report.

However, the business climate in retailing cooled down slightly.

"Assessments of the current business situation once again improved considerably. Optimistic assessments of the business outlook, however, were scaled back slightly," Sinn noted.

The Ifo Business Climate Index, considered the most important barometer for the German economy, is based on about 7,000 monthly survey responses from firms in manufacturing, construction, wholesaling and retailing. Endit