Ifo Business Survey April 2012 in Brief

The Ifo Business Climate Index for German trade and industry rose again in April. Companies' assessment of the current situation improved slightly while remaining at a level; and the six-month outlook remained good. The German economy is proving resilient. The Ifo Employment Barometer for German trade and industry fell again slightly in April. The majority of the companies surveyed nevertheless reported plans to recruit additional staff. The Ifo Business Climate for the German Services Sector remains unchanged. Its components, however, developed differently. A somewhat improved current business situation contrasted with a slight downturn in demand.