Germany's ifo business confidence indicator climbed for the fourth month in a row in February, underpinned by stronger expectations, suggesting the resilience of the biggest euro area economy that may indeed avoid a modest recession. The ifo business confidence index rose to an eight-month high of 91.1 from 90.1 in January, survey data from the Munich-based ifo institute showed Wednesday. Economists had forecast a score of 91.4.
"The German economy is gradually working its way out of a period of weakness," ifo institute President Clemens Fuest said. The expectations measure of the survey rose to 88.5 from 86.4. That was the strongest reading since February last year. Economists had expected a score of 88.3. Meanwhile, the current situation index dropped for a second straight month, to 93.9 from 94.1 in the previous month. Economists had forecast a score of 95. Morale grew to its highest level since May 2002 in manufacturing, driven by companies' notably improved expectations.
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April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.