It Looks Like Germany Might’ve Dodged A Recession

It Looks Like Germany Might’ve Dodged A Recession

8 months ago2 mins

Reports out on Wednesday suggested Germany might just have dodged a recession.

What does this mean?

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, Germany seemed all but destined for a recession – you know, those pesky back-to-back quarters of negative growth. So after the economy shrank 0.4% at the end of last year, the first quarter of 2023 was always going to be pivotal. The verdict: if Germany’s top forecasters are worth their weight in bratwurst, the country may actually have sidestepped a recession, with the economy growing an estimated 0.1% last quarter. That would mean the country’s managed to weather the energy crisis, reducing its reliance on Russian natural gas and softening the impact of higher energy prices on households. No wonder the economy’s looking up, then: instead of a 0.4% drop this year, economists now see 0.3% growth in the cards for Germany.

Germany might avoid recession

Why should I care?

Zooming in: Lucky streak.

That wasn’t the only bit of good news Germany got this week. Factory orders rose by 4.8% in February, crushing expectations of a measly 0.3% increase – a good sign given how crucial manufacturing is to the nation. And German exports outstripped expectations too, with a 4% uptick in February – while business confidence climbed for the fifth consecutive month in March. And sure, enduring demand might slow down inflation's retreat, but for now, that's a small price to pay to fend off a recession.

Germany business confidence

The bigger picture: It’s a win-win-win.

It isn't just a win for Germans if their economy is getting back on track: it's a victory for the entire world. See, the country is Europe's biggest economy, and its success could help stave off a recession for the whole bloc. And as a major investor in other nations, a thriving Germany bodes well for foreign investment and trade to boot. And that’s not to mention that Germans’ famous gift for tech innovation – especially in engineering – could help drive progress in key sectors worldwide.

Finimize

BECOME A SMARTER INVESTOR

All the daily investing news and insights you need in one subscription.

Learn More

Disclaimer: These articles are provided for information purposes only. Occasionally, an opinion about whether to buy or sell a specific investment may be provided. The content is not intended to be a personal recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument or product, or to adopt any investment strategy as it is not provided based on an assessment of your investing knowledge and experience, your financial situation or your investment objectives. The value of your investments, and the income derived from them, may go down as well as up. You may not get back all the money that you invest. The investments referred to in this article may not be suitable for all investors, and if in doubt, an investor should seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.

/3 Your free quarterly content is about to expire. Uncover the biggest trends and opportunities. Subscribe now for 50%. Cancel anytime.

Finimize
© Finimize Ltd. 2023. 10328011. 280 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AG