German IFO Business Confidence Survey Improves for Sixth Month

Business confidence in Germany improved for the sixth consecutive month in September, with the headline reading increasing to 91.3 from 90.5 in the previous month amid expectations for a rose to 92.0. At the same time, the IFO’s gauge for future expectations increased to 95.7 from 95.0, with the current assessment advancing to 87.0 from a revised reading of 86.2 in August, and the data encourages an improved outlook for the nation as the economy emerges from the worst recession since the post-war period. As Bundesbank President Axel Weber holds an enhanced outlook for the region and projects economic activity to fall at a slower pace than initially expected, businesses confidence is likely to improve throughout the second half of the year as policy makers anticipate the economy to return to growth in 2010.

</p>