German business climate index falls in March

BERLIN, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The ifo Business Climate Index for industry and trade in Germany fell to 114.7 points in March from 115.4 points in February, the research institute ifo reported on Thursday.

According to the Munich-based think tank, surveyed companies were less satisfied with their current business situation. Meanwhile they are also less optimistic about their six-month business outlook.

The business climate indexes in manufacturing and retailing fell, while the index in wholesaling remained unchanged from last month's level. Only the index in construction rose thanks to markedly more optimistic business expectations, it said.

"Strong sentiment among German businesses weakened slightly this month," said ifo president Clemens Fuest. "The threat of protectionism is dampening the mood in the German economy," he added.

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. Enditem