Moderate Growth in Investment and Leasing in Sight

The investment indicator based on assessments of the current business situation by leasing companies, which is jointly published by the Ifo Institute and the German Association of Leasing Companies, signals a moderate increase in investment in equipment, including other assets, of 3.9% for 2015, following a 4% rise last year. Although this brought investments almost back up to their pre-crisis level, the investment rate in equipment investment in Germany is only expected to increase marginal this year, following decreases in the 2012/2013 period and the increase in 2014; and will remain at a pretty low level. It is worth noting that the investment rates had to be completely recalculated and significantly increased due to the latest concept change and the general revision of the German national accounts system.