ifo Media Center
The ifo Institute invites you to participate in the discussion of interesting economic topics via the Internet. In our ifo Media Center a whole series of remarkable events are available and can be viewed in full length. We also record selected speeches and presentations given by employees or at events and make them available in our Media Center.
ifo Economic Forecast Spring 2021: German Economy Staggering into Third Coronavirus Wave
Gross domestic product for Germany is expected to grow by 3.7 percent in 2021 and by 3.2 percent in 2022. Looking at total economic output for the years 2020 to 2022, the cost of the coronavirus crisis according to this forecast is EUR 405 billion.
Coronavirus: Companies Support Families (4th Quarter 2020)
The special questions in the fourth quarter of 2020 explored the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the labor situation. The particular focus was on the development of pay and components thereof. Moreover, the participating companies indicated whether, and how, they supported families with children in ensuring the provision of childcare.
How Will the Coronavirus Affect Germany’s Economic Future?
Just over a year ago, on January 27, 2020, the first case of SARS-CoV-2 was diagnosed in Germany. Since then, politicians have been battling with the drastic effects of the pandemic, including via the special conferences between the federal and state governments, which have become something of a regular fixture. At the most recent such meeting, which took place on February 10, 2021, it was decided to extend the lockdown and to reduce the target incidence rate from 50 to 35: only once the incidence falls below this value will there be any further easing of restrictions, particularly as regards the retail sector. The 33rd ifo and FAZ Economists Panel looks at current coronavirus policies and the outlook for Germany in a survey of 177 professors at German universities.
ifo Business Climate Saxony Improves Marginally (February 2021)
The ifo Business Climate Index Saxony rose slightly in February 2021. The barometer of business sentiment climbed from 90.6 to 90.8 points. Compared to the previous month, the business expectations of the companies surveyed improved a little. However, their assessments of the current situation declined somewhat.
ifo Business Climate Eastern Germany Rises Once More (February 2021)
Sentiment among companies in eastern Germany improved markedly in February. The ifo Business Climate Index for the entire regional economy rose to 90.4 points from 88.9 points in January. The survey participants’ assessments of the current situation and their expectations alike were better than in January. Of the two, the improvement in their assessments of the current situation was more pronounced.
ifo Employment Barometer Down (February 2021)
German companies are planning to cut jobs. The ifo Employment Barometer fell to 94.5 points in February after measuring 95.1 points in January, marking the third decline in a row. The lockdown is leading to job losses, particularly in the retail sector.
Germany: Upswing in ifo Export Expectations (February 2021)
Sentiment among German exporters has improved noticeably. In February, the ifo Export Expectations in manufacturing rose from 7.5 points to 10.7 points. This is its highest value since September 2018. China’s good economic situation and an increase in US production are helping German exporters.
ifo Business Climate Index Rises (February 2021)
Sentiment among managers in Germany has improved noticeably. The ifo Business Climate Index rose from 90.3 points (seasonally adjusted) in January to 92.4 points in February. Assessments of the current business situation were more positive. Moreover, pessimism regarding the coming months was markedly reduced. The German economy is proving robust despite the lockdown, especially thanks to strength in industry.
Nicola Garbarino
Junior Economist and Doctoral Student
Andreas Baur
Junior Economist and Doctoral Student
ifo Business Climate Saxony Falls Slightly (January 2021)
The ifo Business Climate Index Saxony dropped slightly at the start of 2021. The barometer of business sentiment declined from 91.6 to 90.5 points. The businesses surveyed lowered their assessments of the current situation and their business expectations somewhat compared to the previous month.
ifo Business Climate East Germany Fell (January 2021)
Sentiment among companies in eastern Germany cooled off noticeably in January. The ifo Business Climate Index for the entire regional economy fell from 92.4 to 88.7 points. The survey participants’ assessments of the current situation and their expectations alike deteriorated significantly compared to December.
ifo Employment Barometer Falls Again (January 2021)
German companies’ hiring plans shrank slightly at the start of the new year. The ifo Employment Barometer fell to 95.0 points in January after measuring 95.5 points in December. The lockdown is leading to more layoffs, particularly in the retail sector.
ifo Export Expectations Improved Noticeably (January 2021)
Sentiment among German exporters has become considerably brighter. In January, the ifo Export Expectations in manufacturing rose from 1.9 points to 6.0 points. This is its highest level since October. Clarity on Brexit and the US presidency, a robust industrial economy, and the start of vaccination campaigns worldwide led to cautious optimism in the German export sector.
ifo Business Climate Index Falls (January 2021)
Sentiment among German managers has deteriorated. The ifo Business Climate Index fell from 92.2 points (seasonally adjusted) in December to 90.1 points in January. Companies assessed their current situation as worse than last month. Their expectations were also more pessimistic. The second wave of coronavirus has brought the recovery of the German economy to a halt for now.
ifo Business Climate Saxony Rises Slightly (December 2020)
The ifo Business Climate Index Saxony rose slightly in December. The barometer of business sentiment climbed from 91.2 to 91.5 points, as survey participants’ assessments of the business situation were much more positive. Their expectations for the coming six months were a little more pessimistic.
Joop Age Harm Adema
Junior Economist and Doctoral Student
ifo Business Climate Index for Eastern Germany Stops Falling (December 2020)
Sentiment among companies in eastern Germany improved a little in December, bringing to an end the downward trend that began in October. The ifo Business Climate Index for the entire regional economy rose from 92.1 to 92.4 points. While survey participants’ assessments of their current situation were decidedly better, their business expectations dimmed somewhat.
ifo Employment Barometer Down (December 2020)
German companies are becoming more cautious on the labor market. The ifo Employment Barometer fell to 95.5 points in December after measuring 96.7 points in November. The hard lockdown is making companies more reluctant to hire new people.
Eurozone Economic Outlook: Second Covid wave hampers recovery (December 2020)
After a sharp recovery in Q3, economic activity will decrease again in Q4 due to new lockdowns.
