German business sentiment improved in August, ifo survey finds

The ifo Institute (Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung an der Universität München e.V.)’s August business sentiment index was 89 points higher than expected, at 88.7 points, after 88.6 points in July. The August indicator indicates a further improvement in business sentiment, after the index stood at 88.4 points in June, 87.5 points in May, 86.9 points in April and 86.7 points in March.

Of the components of the August index, the indicator quantifying the assessment of the current business environment deteriorated, while the outlook indicator improved compared to its July value.

The current business climate index fell to 86.4 points from 86.5 points in July, while analysts expected a strengthening index to 86.7 points in August.

The business outlook index strengthened to 91.6 points from 90.8 points in July, while analysts expected a deterioration to 90.2 points.