The Ifo Business Climate Index for industry and trade in Germany rose in April to 111.2 points from 110.7 points last month. Assessments of the current business situation, which were already favourable, improved somewhat. Companies are also more confident about future business developments. Despite the crisis in Ukraine, the positive mood in the German economy prevails. The business climate index in manufacturing rose to its highest level since July 2011. Although manufacturers fractionally scaled back their very good assessments of the current business situation, they were far more optimistic about their business ... (full story)