German firms see better outlook as sentiment improves – Ifo

German business sentiment improved in March, with the Ifo Business Climate Index rising to 86.7 from 85.3 in February, the Ifo Institute reported on Tuesday.

Companies were more satisfied with their current situation, and expectations improved noticeably, signalling hopes for a recovery.

Manufacturing saw a significant rise in sentiment, with less scepticism about future prospects, though order books declined slightly.

The service sector also strengthened, particularly among architectural and engineering firms. In trade, businesses were less pessimistic, while construction sentiment improved despite ongoing concerns over weak demand.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama