German business sentiment rises more than expected in August, Ifo survey finds

Germany unemployment

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German business morale grew more than expected in August, a survey showed on Tuesday, adding to signs that Europe's largest economy is on track for a long-awaited recovery.

The Ifo ​institute ⁠said its business climate index rose to 88.8 in ⁠August from a slightly upwardly revised 86.7 in July.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast an ​increase to 87.2.

"Despite the renewed rise in energy prices, the German economy is recovering," Ifo President Clemens ​Fuest said.

Germany's gross domestic product grew ⁠by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2026 compared ⁠with the previous quarter, slightly above last month's preliminary reading of ‌0.2%, statistics office data showed ​on Tuesday.

This data, together with Ifo's increase, further firms up ⁠tentative signs of a recovery in Germany's languishing economy, following ‌a stronger-than-expected rise in investor morale last ​week, ‌as well as exports and industrial production that beat expectations in ‌June.

Economic expectations in the Ifo ⁠survey ⁠also rose, to 89.1 in August from 86.8 in July.

Companies were more satisfied with their current business performance, with the index rising to 88.5 in August from ​86.5 in July.

Business sentiment improved across all economic sectors, the ⁠survey ‌showed.

(Reporting by Maria Martinez. Additional reporting ​by ‌Cian Muenster. Editing by Miranda Murray)

Copyright (2026) Thomson Reuters.

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