Economy Big drop in German consumer confidence beats hopes of economic growth A key survey shows Germans preparing to tighten their belts rather than boost private consumption, the sector which provides half of the GDP in Europe's biggest economy. 27/11/2024
Economy Germany business morale worsens further: Is competitiveness at risk? German business confidence fell sharply in November, with the Ifo Index hitting its second-worst level since January. Rising costs, energy prices, and structural issues are eroding industrial competitiveness, while private sector activity hit a nine-month low. 25/11/2024
Economy Modest growth in the German economy helps it avoid a recession Europe's biggest economy expanded by 0.1% in the third quarter, revised down from the first estimate of a 0.2% rise. 22/11/2024
Business European hotspots for AI: These are the leading countries in 2024 Germany has shown a huge improvement this year in a new ranking for the best hotspots for AI startups. Even so, Europe's strongest economy still falls short of the top spot. 21/11/2024
Economy German producer prices stay subdued as energy prices heat up The producer price index, which looks at the average change in selling prices that domestic producers get for their services and goods, was down for the 16th month in a row. 20/11/2024
Business Thyssenkrupp's steel division sees valuation slump The unit has suffered from rocky economic conditions, fierce competition from Asian manufacturers, and a pressure to decarbonise. 19/11/2024
Economy How could Europe's biggest economy lose out under Trump's plans? The German economy, already in decline, could be about to lose 1% of GDP due to the trade tariffs, promised by US President-Elect Donald Trump. 14/11/2024
Business IG Metall agrees wage deal for German auto and engineering workers The deal, watched by the European Central Bank for its effect on inflation, comes at a tough time for Europe's biggest economy. 12/11/2024
Business Thousands of jobs to go at German car parts maker Schaeffler The company is downsizing at 10 locations in Germany and five other sites in Europe, further illustrating the challenges facing the European car industry. 05/11/2024
Business Volkswagen's earnings disappoint as shares plunge to 24-year low Volkswagen’s third-quarter earnings missed expectations, pushing shares to a 24-year low. Europe’s biggest automaker faces rising costs, restructuring expenses, and slowing demand, particularly in China. Challenges in the EV market and regulatory pressures are straining profitability. 30/10/2024
Economy Switching to EVs could cost German car industry 186,000 jobs by 2035 EV car production requires fewer employees overall than in the past, according to new report findings. 30/10/2024
Economy German consumer climate reaches 18-month high as income optimism rises Germany's consumer confidence inched upwards in October, marking its most optimistic point since April 2022, though challenges continue to weigh on sentiment. 29/10/2024
Business Tesla gets go-ahead for controversial factory expansion in Germany The US electric car maker has plans to build the biggest car plant in the country, manufacturing one million cars annually. 16/10/2024
Economy Germany's economic sentiment improves, DAX index hits record highs October's rise was driven by interest rate cut expectations and export optimism, despite a worsening current outlook. The DAX hit record highs, boosted by falling oil prices and a weakening euro, outperforming other European indices. 15/10/2024
Economy Germany's economic struggles deepen: A back-to-back recession looms Germany's economic downturn deepens with a projected contraction in 2024, marking its second consecutive year of decline. Manufacturing struggles and global competition, especially from China, highlight structural issues. Growth is expected to return in 2025. 09/10/2024
Travel News From buses to trains: Flix expands its operations in Germany FlixTrains’ decision to move further into the rail industry means Germany will soon have a more accessible train network. 08/10/2024
Business Thyssenkrupp is reviewing plans for manufacturing 'green steel' Thyssenkrupp is revisiting its ambitious plan to produce green steel at its Duisburg site due to escalating costs. The German government has spent billions of Euros subsidising the project. 07/10/2024
Economy Eurozone: August retail sales rise, but Germany's factory orders sink Eurozone retail sales grew 0.2% in August, rebounding from July's flat reading, while Germany's factory orders plunged 5.8%, marking their worst decline since January. The euro slipped below $1.10 on the news. 07/10/2024
Economy German inflation plunges to over three-year low as energy prices wane German inflation fell for the second month in a row in September, as energy prices pulled back. However, food prices rose at a faster pace. 30/09/2024
Economy German unemployment unchanged but signals weak performance The German labour market usually picks up in September after the summer, but unemployment decreased much less than usual this month. 27/09/2024