The German IFO index strengthened to 111.0 for December from 110.4 the previous month, which was above the expected reading of 110.7 and the strongest reading since February 2014. The current conditions index rose to 116.6 from 115.6, also above expectations and the highest level since February 2012, while the expectations index only increased marginally to 105.6 from 105.5. There was an increase in the trade and industry sector to 14.8 from 13.7, the strongest reading of 2016 as manufacturing confidence also improved with companies expecting output to strengthen over the next few months. The construction sector ... (full story)