Germany Lifts Economic Outlook as Oil, QE Spell Stimulus

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government lifted its economic growth forecast for this year amid rising confidence in the benefits of low oil prices and the European Central Bank’s stimulus plans.

Germany’s economy will grow by about 1.5 percent this year, compared with 1.3 percent forecast in October, as growth in consumer spending and wages accelerates, the Economy Ministry said in its outlook published Wednesday.