IW Economic Forecast and Business Survey Autumn 2018: Weak Growth with a Stiffening Headwind

A further factor in this deceleration is the slowing momentum of the global economy. American protectionism, the slowdown in emerging markets and uncertainties stemming from an imminent Brexit and the new Italian government are weighing on corporate expectations. The regular survey of German business conducted by the German Economic Institute (IW) comes to similar conclusions. The prospects for production, export, investment and employment in Germany have all deteriorated noticeably in the course of 2018. While by no means stagnating, at a mere 1.2 per cent the German economy is expected to enjoy only very modest growth in 2019. These dampened expectations are reflected in the labour market. Employment will continue to rise and unemployment to fall, but the movements will become more leisurely. Despite these signs of an economic slowdown, the public budget will remain in surplus next year, but at only half its current rate. While tax revenues are growing more slowly on the revenue side, government spending, especially social expenditure, will continue its steep rise.