The ifo Business Climate Index rose from 115.2 points (seasonally adjusted) last month to 116.0 points in July, hitting a new record high for the third month in succession. Companies' satisfaction with their current business situation reached its highest level since Germany's reunification. Their short-term business outlook also improved. Germany's economy is powering ahead.

In manufacturing the index hit a new record high. Assessments of the current business situation scaled unprecedented heights. Manufacturers once again expressed greater optimism about the short-term future. Capacity utilisation rose significantly by 0.7 percentage points to 86.7 percent.

In wholesaling the business climate improved again on the back of far more optimistic business expectations. Assessments of the current business situation, by contrast, edged downwards from last month's record highs. In retailing the index dropped. Retailers were far less satisfied with their current business situation. Their optimism about the short-term business outlook also waned. Both components, however, remain at a very high level.