German IFO Business Climate Index declines to 88.1 in November vs. 88.5 expected
German business morale deteriorated slightly in November, with the IFO Institute's Business Climate Index declining to 88.1 in November from 88.4 in October. This reading came in below the market expectation of 88.5.
Other details of the publication showed that the IFO Current Assessment Index edged higher to 85.6 from 85.3, while the Expectations Index fell to 90.6 from 91.6.
Market reaction to German IFO data
This report failed to trigger a meaningful reaction in the Euro. At the time of press, EUR/USD was up 0.15% on the day at 1.1530.
Euro Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Euro (EUR) against listed major currencies today. Euro was the strongest against the Japanese Yen.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.13% | 0.07% | 0.33% | 0.11% | 0.04% | 0.13% | -0.00% | |
| EUR | 0.13% | 0.20% | 0.45% | 0.24% | 0.16% | 0.26% | 0.12% | |
| GBP | -0.07% | -0.20% | 0.25% | 0.03% | -0.03% | 0.05% | -0.08% | |
| JPY | -0.33% | -0.45% | -0.25% | -0.20% | -0.26% | -0.18% | -0.30% | |
| CAD | -0.11% | -0.24% | -0.03% | 0.20% | -0.06% | 0.02% | -0.11% | |
| AUD | -0.04% | -0.16% | 0.03% | 0.26% | 0.06% | 0.09% | -0.05% | |
| NZD | -0.13% | -0.26% | -0.05% | 0.18% | -0.02% | -0.09% | -0.12% | |
| CHF | 0.00% | -0.12% | 0.08% | 0.30% | 0.11% | 0.05% | 0.12% |
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Euro from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent EUR (base)/USD (quote).
This section below was published as a preview of German IFO sentiment data at 07:00 GMT.
The German IFO Survey Overview
Germany’s IFO institute will publish its business survey for November on Monday at 09:00 GMT.
The headline IFO Business Climate Index is expected to tick higher to 88.5 this month, from a 88.4 reading in October.
The Current Assessment Index stood at 85.3 in October, while the Expectations Index came in at 91.6.
How could the German IFO Survey affect EUR/USD?
EUR/USD is likely to remain steady if the IFO Business Survey data comes out as expected. Any surprise downtick in the German business activity could put little pressure on the Euro (EUR), as it receives support from the cautious sentiment surrounding the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary policy outlook. The ECB is widely expected to keep rates unchanged through the end of 2026, with inflation hovering near its 2% target, stable economic growth, and unemployment at record lows.
The EUR/USD pair also holds ground as the US Dollar (USD) faces challenges amid renewed expectations of a Fed rate cut in December weighs on sentiment. The CME FedWatch Tool suggests that markets are now pricing in a 71% chance that the Fed will cut its benchmark overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points (bps) at its December meeting, up from 42% probability that markets priced a week ago.
Technically, the EUR/USD trades higher around 1.1520 at the time of writing. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains below the 50 level, strengthening the bearish bias. The pair may find its initial support at the psychological level of 1.1500, followed by the three-month low of 1.1468. On the upside, the immediate barrier lies at the nine-day EMA of 1.1548, followed by the psychological level of 1.1600 and the 50-day EMA at 1.1605.
German economy FAQs
The German economy has a significant impact on the Euro due to its status as the largest economy within the Eurozone. Germany's economic performance, its GDP, employment, and inflation, can greatly influence the overall stability and confidence in the Euro. As Germany's economy strengthens, it can bolster the Euro's value, while the opposite is true if it weakens. Overall, the German economy plays a crucial role in shaping the Euro's strength and perception in global markets.
Germany is the largest economy in the Eurozone and therefore an influential actor in the region. During the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis in 2009-12, Germany was pivotal in setting up various stability funds to bail out debtor countries. It took a leadership role in the implementation of the 'Fiscal Compact' following the crisis – a set of more stringent rules to manage member states’ finances and punish ‘debt sinners’. Germany spearheaded a culture of ‘Financial Stability’ and the German economic model has been widely used as a blueprint for economic growth by fellow Eurozone members.
Bunds are bonds issued by the German government. Like all bonds they pay holders a regular interest payment, or coupon, followed by the full value of the loan, or principal, at maturity. Because Germany has the largest economy in the Eurozone, Bunds are used as a benchmark for other European government bonds. Long-term Bunds are viewed as a solid, risk-free investment as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the German nation. For this reason they are treated as a safe-haven by investors – gaining in value in times of crisis, whilst falling during periods of prosperity.
German Bund Yields measure the annual return an investor can expect from holding German government bonds, or Bunds. Like other bonds, Bunds pay holders interest at regular intervals, called the ‘coupon’, followed by the full value of the bond at maturity. Whilst the coupon is fixed, the Yield varies as it takes into account changes in the bond's price, and it is therefore considered a more accurate reflection of return. A decline in the bund's price raises the coupon as a percentage of the loan, resulting in a higher Yield and vice versa for a rise. This explains why Bund Yields move inversely to prices.
The Bundesbank is the central bank of Germany. It plays a key role in implementing monetary policy within Germany, and central banks in the region more broadly. Its goal is price stability, or keeping inflation low and predictable. It is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of payment systems in Germany and participates in the oversight of financial institutions. The Bundesbank has a reputation for being conservative, prioritizing the fight against inflation over economic growth. It has been influential in the setup and policy of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Author
Akhtar Faruqui
FXStreet
Akhtar Faruqui is a Forex Analyst based in New Delhi, India. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for dissecting complex financial dynamics, he is dedicated to delivering accurate and insightful Forex news and analysis.
