German Business Optimism Drops as Economy Nears Peak Growth
- Ifo confidence index slides to 115.2 vs. estimated rise to 116
- Gauges for current conditions and expectations also declined
Deutsche Bank Says Economy Not Top Issue for Voters
This article is for subscribers only.
German business confidence unexpectedly weakened for a second month in September, in a sign that Europe’s largest economy is struggling to improve on its current brisk pace of expansion.
The Ifo Institute’s gauge of business sentiment dropped to 115.2 in September. While that’s still near a record high, it’s down from 115.9 in August and compares with a median forecast by economists for an increase to 116. The Bundesbank said this month that third-quarter growth momentum will be “slightly” lower than in the first half.