Economic Outlook

“The ifo business climate has fluctuated recently. In this respect, today's decline, which was driven by expectations, comes as no surprise. However, it is important to note that corporate expectations have trended upward over the course of this year of great uncertainty. As the days soon become longer again, growth is likely to return. We expect a noticeable increase in gross domestic product in 2026, driven primarily by fiscal stimulus.”

Dr Dirk Schumacher

„In its flash estimate, the Federal Statistical Office calculated that German GDP stagnated in the third quarter. We should not generally attach too much importance to this figure (0.0%). Experience in recent years has shown that initial growth calculations are highly susceptible to revision. What was initially predicted to be quasi-stagnation in 2023 and 2024 turned out to be a significant recession in retrospect. As the name suggests, even the initial official growth rates are only estimates based on incomplete data. The decisive factor is the overall picture provided by the growth figures and the so-called soft indicators from company surveys such as the Purchasing Managers' Index or the ifo Business Climate Index. Measured against this, the economic picture for the third quarter is also only mixed, which roughly corresponds to the reported stagnation.”

Dr Philipp Scheuermeyer

“The ECB will leave interest rates unchanged on Thursday. The data published since the last meeting do not necessitate any adjustment to monetary policy. Inflation is close to the inflation target. At the same time, services inflation remains stubbornly around three percent, which contradicts a complete normalisation of inflation dynamics. The trade conflict with the US remains a major source of uncertainty. However, there are no signs of a significant economic downturn due to the tariff increase, nor are there any visible effects on inflation. The strength of the euro against the US dollar – but also the weakness of the Chinese renminbi – will dampen price pressures and further hamper European exporters. However, these effects are not significant enough at present to influence the ECB's monetary policy course.”

Dr Dirk Schumacher

“Statements by members of the US Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee leave little doubt that another interest rate cut is imminent. The relative weakness of the labour market weighs more heavily in the assessment of the situation than the robustness of growth and the moderate rise in inflation. It remains to be seen whether this will also apply in subsequent meetings. A noticeable rise in inflation or a revival of the labour market would certainly lead to a pause in interest rate cuts. The limited publication of data in the wake of the shutdown is now making the Fed's work even more difficult. Above all this, the question remains as to what extent the Fed will bow to political pressure to further ease monetary policy. For the moment, a majority of the Open Market Committee seems inclined to demonstrate its independence. This is likely to raise the hurdle for interest rate cuts marginally."

Dr Dirk Schumacher

"At the start of autumn, inflation in Germany is rising, and somewhat more strongly than expected. However, this is not a reversal of the trend. In particular, the previous year's development of energy prices is currently causing fluctuations in the inflation rate. Last September, there were significant price reductions for fuels. As a result, energy prices are now having a much smaller dampening effect on consumer price inflation than before. In the coming months, this trend will reverse again and help to bring inflation down towards 2%. Nevertheless, data from other Euro Area countries also show that the ECB was right in its decision to end its monetary easing policy, especially as price pressure in the services sector is once again proving persistent."

Stephanie Schoenwald

“Although the Prime Minister's defeat was expected, it nevertheless means considerable uncertainty about France's future economic policy course. At present, it is difficult to imagine how – with or without new elections – a new government could be formed that would be able to pursue a serious consolidation course. It will probably take significantly more pressure from the financial markets, in the form of higher interest rates, before a coalition of the willing can be found. Until then, nervousness on the financial markets will remain high.”

Dr Dirk Schumacher

“The labour market is paying the price for the prolonged economic weakness in Germany. The upward trend of the last four years should give us cause for concern and shows that action is needed to strengthen the German economy. However, the rise in unemployment in August is mainly due to seasonal factors, and we are still a long way from the highs seen in the 2000s. Adjusted for seasonal factors, there was even a slight decline. Although it is still too early to classify this as stabilisation, with the upturn we expect next year, the chances of an improvement in the labour market situation are good.”

Stephanie Schoenwald

"In spring, front-loaded imports had significantly burdened US growth in accounting terms. This special effect has now dissipated and the economy is not as weak as the previous figures suggested. On the contrary. The domestic consumption demand, as a cornerstone of the US economy, is showing itself to be significantly stronger than in the previous quarter. At the same time, many companies sold off the goods they had purchased cheaply in the first quarter and reduced their inventory levels. This has a short-term dampening effect on growth, but it is economically justifiable. Following the figures from the second quarter, the shock from the spring is likely not to be as profound. The new data sends a strong signal of economic resilience in a globally challenging environment. Nevertheless, planning uncertainty for households and businesses is expected to remain high, from looming pharmaceutical tariffs to tensions with the US Federal Reserve."

Dr Stephan Bales

"The economic recovery since the beginning of the year continues to be burdened by the ongoing trade conflict with the US. Banks are also wary of the uncertain impact on the corporate sector. According to the results of the latest Bank Lending Survey, they slightly tightened their requirements for companies in loan negotiations in the second quarter as they did at the start of the year. Based on companies’ assessments in the KfW-ifo credit hurdle, credit barriers for SMEs remain at record levels. However, banks view the restrictions somewhat more moderately. Since a complete withdrawal of US tariffs is very unlikely even after a trade agreement with the USA, the restrictive lending policy is expected to persist. Hope comes from the fiscal package of the new government. If increased spending on defense and infrastructure provides economic stimulus, banks may become more optimistic in their risk assessments, at least in the relevant sectors."

Dr Jenny Körner