<ul><li>Prior -61.4</li><li>Outlook 16.9 vs -15.0 expected</li><li>Prior -23.3</li></ul><p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>The standout data in the report here is that the outlook for the German economy has improved drastically into positive territory – the first time since February last year. This comes after a less harsh winter (helping with the energy situation) and as inflation pressures are showing signs of abating in recent months, being cause for economic optimism.</p>

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.

<ul><li>Mild recessionary tendencies will predominate at the start of the year</li><li>Things should only start improving in the spring</li><li>Sees exports increasing by 1.0% in real terms this year, lagging global trade growth forecast of 1.5%</li></ul><p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>The outlook for Europe can take comfort from lower energy prices to start the year at least, coming off the back of a less harsh winter. However, recession risks are still reverberating and we’ll have to see how things develop in the next few months to get an idea of how severe the downturn might be across the region.</p>

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.