Economy

German business confidence posts surprise rise in March

The key Ifo survey on German business confidence posted an unexpected jump in March on Wednesday, indicating surprising resilience in Europe's biggest economy.

Economy

Economic upswing passes by average Germans

The upswing of the world’s third largest economy is passing by many average Germans, who have seen their buying power sink for the last three years. Many public sector workers even have to rely on government benefits.

Economy

Ministry: joblessness nearly double official figures

The real number of unemployed in Germany is nearly twice as high as officially reported figures since some people without jobs are not counted, the Labour Ministry admitted on Wednesday.

Economy

German finance minister says economy robust

Peer Steinbrück, the German finance minister, said that despite the financial crisis, fundamental economic data points to a robust economy for Germany and Europe. On Friday Steinbrüch said on Deutschlandfunk that the credit market crisis that burdens the US economy exists in Germany and Europe as well, but the economic European and German fundamentals are robust.