German Auto Industry Confidence Improves, Outlook Uncertain: Ifo

RTTNews | 846 days ago
German Auto Industry Confidence Improves, Outlook Uncertain: Ifo

(RTTNews) - German automakers sentiment turned positive at the end of 2022, but the overall business situation was strained for both manufacturers and suppliers, and expectations for the coming months remain cautious, survey results from the ifo Institute showed on Wednesday.

The auto industry index rose to 1.5 in December from -1.5 in November, the Munich-based institute said.

This clearly indicates that confidence is returning to automakers, as demand declined less than in November, while the order situation stabilized and they were significantly more satisfied with their order books, the think tank said.

"However, automakers continue to suffer from a shortage of intermediate products," said Prof. Oliver Falck, director of the ifo Center for Industrial Organization and New Technologies.

Consequently, they were unable to process some orders. But they expect to be able to produce more in the months ahead.

As late as September, Germany's automotive industry was still expecting earnings to plummet in the second half of the year, ifo said.

In the case of suppliers, the current situation and business expectations remained negative in December. However, the supply of intermediate products eased only marginally.

In December, 55 percent of suppliers still reported problems with raw materials deliveries, which was the lowest percentage since this question was first asked in August 2021, Ifo said.

read more
Eurozone Economic Sentiment At 4-Month Low

Eurozone Economic Sentiment At 4-Month Low

Euro area economic confidence weakened more than expected to a four-month low in April largely due to the trade tariff threats, survey data from the European Commission showed on Tuesday. The economic sentiment index declined to 93.6 in April from 95.0 in the previous month. The score was forecast to fall to 94.5.
RTTNews | 7h 35min ago
Spain GDP Growth Softens; Inflation Eases

Spain GDP Growth Softens; Inflation Eases

Spain's economic growth slowed marginally in the first quarter and inflation weakened in April on lower gas and electricity prices, official data showed on Tuesday. Gross domestic product expanded 0.6 percent in the first quarter, which was slightly slower than the revised 0.7 percent growth posted a quarter ago, the preliminary data from the statistical office INE showed.
RTTNews | 9h 22min ago
German Consumer Sentiment Set To Continue Recovery: GfK

German Consumer Sentiment Set To Continue Recovery: GfK

German consumer confidence is set to continue its recovery in May as trade tariff hikes by the US administration had a limited impact, a closely watched survey showed Tuesday. The forward-looking consumer sentiment index improved unexpectedly to -20.6 in May from revised -24.3 in the previous month.
RTTNews | 11h 56min ago
German Ifo Business Sentiment Strengthens In April

German Ifo Business Sentiment Strengthens In April

German business confidence improved in April despite trade tariff uncertainty weighing on expectations, survey results from the the Munich-based ifo Institute revealed on Thursday. The ifo business climate index rose to 86.9 points from 86.7 points in March. The score was forecast to fall to 85.1.
RTTNews | 5 days ago
Eurozone Private Sector Activity Moves Closer To Stagnation

Eurozone Private Sector Activity Moves Closer To Stagnation

The euro area private sector moved closer to stagnation in April as activity was held back by faster reduction in orders amid the escalating trade tariff concerns, the results of the latest purchasing managers' survey by S&P Global showed on Wednesday. The HCOB flash composite output index eased to 50.1 in April, which was only slightly above the 50.0 no-change mark.
RTTNews | 6 days ago
German Private Sector Falls Back Into Contraction

German Private Sector Falls Back Into Contraction

Germany's private sector fell into the contraction territory in April as trade tariff concerns damped business confidence and demand, flash purchasing managers' survey by S&P Global revealed Wednesday. The composite output index fell to 49.7 in April from 51.3 in March. The score fell below the 50.0 no-change mark for the first time in four months.
RTTNews | 6 days ago
French Private Sector Downturn Worsens

French Private Sector Downturn Worsens

France's private sector activity came under renewed pressure in April due to pronounced demand weakness in the domestic market and sharp deterioration in confidence, flash survey data from S&P Global showed on Wednesday. The HCOB composite output index registered 47.3 in April, down from 48.0 in March. The reading was expected to ease to 47.8.
RTTNews | 6 days ago