2018 & Inflation
2018 & Inflation Inflation is next on the agenda. In keeping base rates and bond yields low, central banks have helped keep economies growing above trend and the post-crises output gaps have closed in the US and should do so in Europe this year, but this will depend on theRead More →
1/2 % Bond yields
1/2 % Bond yields Indeed, loose monetary policy has distorted bond markets around the world but perhaps nowhere more than in Germany. Germany openly defied logically reasoning , provided sanctuary for rainbow migrants, materially in excess of its abilities , and now is suffering the after effects. Is 2018 theRead More →
2018 & tipping points
2018 & tipping points EU Forecast , via research has identified 13 potential tipping points in 2018. We have a cross section of macro and micro themes which are tied together by the belief that unexpected developments could lead to an abrupt change of circumstances. From a macro perspective, 2018Read More →
Public finances remains favourable
Public finances remains favourable The setting for German public finances remains favourable; as things currently stand, a surplus and a declining debt ratio are once again on the horizon for the coming year. Given the robust economic and labour market situation, government budgets are profiting from further falling interest expenditure.Read More →
German Growth expected mid 2016
German Growth expected mid 2016 The German economy should continue to grow in the third quarter in line with the robust underlying cyclical upthrust. Despite the low level of new orders received in the second quarter, the mood in German industry has im- proved distinctly. Notwithstanding the intense public discussionRead More →
Prices downward trend halted
Prices downward trend halted Prices did not continue their downward trend in the second quarter of 2016; instead, higher crude oil prices resulted in steep increases across nearly all stages of the economy com- pared to the first quarter. Excluding energy, however, the underlying inflation dynamics remained muted, whereby theRead More →
Germany – rates of pay climb only modestly by +2.2%
Germany – rates of pay climb only modestly by +2.2% The second quarter of 2016 saw negotiated rates of pay climb only modestly by +2.2% year on year, just as they had done in the first quar- ter. This was due not only to the moderate pay rises in theRead More →
Agreements are governed by law
Agreements are governed by law The constitution and enabling legislation protect the right to collective bargaining, and agreements are governed by law. The coverage of collective agreements has been declining for decades. Collective bargaining agreements in 2012 covered approximately 58% of all employees, 60% of the labor force in theRead More →
Protect the right of employees
Protect the right of employees The constitution, federal legislation, and government regulations contain provisions designed to protect the right of employees to form and join independent unions of their choice. The overwhelming majority of unionized workers is a member of one of the eight largest unions – largely grouped byRead More →