World economic climate continues to brightenResults of the 108th Ifo World Economic Survey (WES) in April 2010

The Ifo World Economic Climate improved further in the second quarter of 2010. The surveyed experts worldwide assessed the current economic situation as less unfavourable than at the beginning of the year. For the coming half year, the survey participants remain confident. The economic climate improved strongly above all again in Asia. Also in North America the climate indicator rose and is now slightly above its long-term average. In Western Europe, however, it remained largely unchanged and has not reached its long-term average. The survey participants assessed the current situation of economies worldwide as less unfavourable as up to now. However, outside Asia the economic situation is still regarded as unsatisfactory. The expectations for the coming six months are pointed upwards in all regions for the coming six months, but not quite as strongly as in the previous quarter. The survey results indicate that the world economy has found its footing.