German business climate index weakens slightly in December: Ifo
Xinhua, December 17, 2015 Adjust font size:
The Ifo Business Climate Index for industry and trade in Germany weakened slightly to 108.7 points in December from 109.0 points in November, the Ifo institute reported on Thursday.
The climate index in manufacturing continued to rise, and manufacturers' business expectations improved markedly, the Munich-based think tank said.
On the other hand, the indicator in wholesaling, retailing and construction all fell compared to the index in November, the report showed.
"Strong sentiment in the German economy weakened slightly this month ... Assessments of the current business situation declined," Ifo president Hans-Werner Sinn said.
Meanwhile, he added that the economic situation could "hardly be better in the run-up to Christmas."
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