Basic terms

A key monthly survey that measures the business climate in Germany. The Ifo Business Climate Survey is based on approximately 7,000 monthly survey responses from firms in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail. Firms included in the Ifo business climate survey are asked to submit their assessments of current business conditions and expectations for the next six months. The balance value of the current business situation is the difference in the percentages of the "good" and "poor" responses, while the balance value of the expectations is the difference in the percentage of the responses marked "more favorable" and "more unfavorable." The business climate is a transformed mean of the balances of the current business situation and expectations.

The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling. Central banks attempt to stop severe inflation, along with severe deflation, in an attempt to keep the excessive growth of prices to a minimum.

Interest rate: The amount charged, expressed as a percentage of principal, by a lenderto a borrower for the use of assets. Interest rates are typically noted on an annual basis, known as the annual percentage rate (APR). The assets borrowed could include, cash, consumer goods, large assets, such as a vehicle or building. Interest is essentially a rental, or leasing charge to the borrower, for the asset's use. In the case of a large asset, like a vehicle or building, the interest rate is sometimes known as the "lease rate". When the borrower is a low-risk party, they will usually be charged a low interest rate; if the borrower is considered high risk, the interest rate that they are charged will be higher.