“Germany’s economy is powering ahead.”
That’s the assessment of the Ifo Institute, which has been running a monthly survey of business confidence since the early 1990s. The latest reading set a new all-time high—among the some 7,000 companies polled, confidence in every industry is soaring, with managers enthusiastic about both the current situation and the outlook for the future.
Manufacturers and mechanical engineering companies are feeling particularly positive about the present, the report notes, and also optimistic about the upcoming months.
Likewise the construction industry. While contractors are slightly more cautious, they’re still enjoying record streak of business confidence and expect things to remain good.
Wholesalers are the only group not sharing this overflowing of enthusiasm. The report says they are less satisfied than others with the current business situation, but historically speaking their confidence levels remain high.