Ifo test flags buoyant growth at year-end

The upturn in sentiment in industry is most likely being driven mainly by external factors. Incoming orders from abroad had already picked up appreciably in July and August. The economic stabilization in major emerging markets, the steady upward trend in the eurozone and a slight acceleration in the US economy are all serving to bolster foreign demand.

Sentiment in the construction sector continues to soar. This is not very surprising given that in the first eight months of this year price-adjusted new orders were up by 15% on a year earlier and around 25% more housing permits were issued. Production in the construction sector is struggling to cope with this surge in orders. According to the Ifo test, sentiment in the services sector remains at a very high level. Overall, it seems that the summer worries about an economic slowdown can be laid to rest.

Dr. Rolf Schneider

Allianz SE
Phone +49.69.24431-5790

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