Ifo reports German business confidence in August rose more than expected
Macro
Germany's Ifo economic research institute said the German business confidence index rose to 88.8 in August from 86.7 in July, above the 87.2 analysts had expected. The expectations index rose to 89.1 from 86.8, and the current conditions index rose to 88.5 from 86.5, with confidence improving across all economic sectors. Meanwhile, Germany's national statistics office reported that gross domestic product in the second quarter of 2026 expanded 0.3% from the previous quarter, slightly above the preliminary estimate of 0.2%. The data reinforce early signs of recovery in Germany's long-sluggish economy, after investor confidence rose more than expected last week, and June exports and industrial output also grew more than expected.
