German economy stagnates in Q2 after winter recession
The German economy stagnated in the second quarter of 2023, following a winter recession, with zero growth and a contraction in adjusted GDP, according to data from the statistics office.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/2UKMQPSG4VLU5HG7IX5TAS7GCI.jpg)
Topics
Posted 8/25/2023, 6:08:10 AM
reuters.com
Relevant topic timeline:
U.S. economic growth may be accelerating in the second half of 2023, defying earlier recession forecasts and leading to a repricing of long-term inflation and interest rate assumptions.
German business activity, particularly in the services sector, experienced its sharpest decline since May 2020, leading to concerns about the country's outlook for the remainder of the year and potential stagflation, as both manufacturing and services sectors are contracting.
Germany's business activity has seen a sharp decline, leading to concerns of a recession, as the country's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dipped to its lowest level in over three years. This decline in activity is impacting the wider eurozone economy as well, with the region at risk of slipping into recession. This economic downturn is accompanied by a worrying uptick in inflation and slow growth, particularly in Germany.
Germany, once known as the "sick man of Europe," is facing a new economic downturn characterized by sticky inflation, falling output, and structural issues such as an aging population and high corporate tax rate, prompting concerns of a prolonged recession; however, the country's strong employment levels, record public finances, and adaptability through its Mittelstand of small and medium-sized businesses provide hope for recovery.
The US economy is expected to slow in the coming months due to the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation, which could lead to softer consumer spending and a decrease in stock market returns. Additionally, the resumption of student loan payments in October and the American consumer's credit card addiction pose further uncertainties for the economy. Meanwhile, Germany's economy is facing a contraction and a prolonged recession, which is a stark contrast to its past economic outperformance.
German inflation fell slightly in August, but economists predict that the downward trend will continue in the coming months, with food prices showing above-average growth.
Germany's economic model and banks are struggling, with forecasts showing low growth and poor profitability, highlighting issues such as politicized governance, diminished private sector, and outdated funding methods.
Germany, once hailed as Europe's economic powerhouse, is now facing structural problems and could be on the verge of decline, according to experts, with factors such as stagnant GDP, high inflation, an aging population, overdependence on exports, and underinvestment contributing to its current predicament.
German industrial production fell by 0.8% in July, slightly more than expected, highlighting the challenges faced by the sector due to a winter downturn and weak global economy.
Germany is predicted to experience a prolonged recession this year, making it the only major European economy to contract in 2023, according to the European Commission, with its growth expectations also being cut for 2024; this is attributed to struggles following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need to end energy dependency on Moscow.
The European Commission has revised down its economic forecast, citing high prices for goods and services as a significant factor, leading to reduced growth projections for the European Union and the eurozone. Germany is expected to experience a downturn, while inflation is projected to exceed the European Central Bank's target. Weak consumption, credit provisions, and natural disasters are also contributing to the loss of momentum in the economy. However, the report highlights the strength of the EU labor market with a low unemployment rate.
Germany's economy is expected to contract by 0.4% in 2023 due to higher inflation, rising interest rates, and weaker consumer spending, making it the worst-affected major country in the eurozone, according to the European Commission. The overall eurozone economy is expected to expand by 0.8% in 2023 and 1.3% in 2024, leading to a potential halt in the European Central Bank's tightening of policy. Inflation in the eurozone is projected to average 5.6% in 2023.
Germany's deep economic troubles, including three consecutive quarters of negative growth, could have significant global implications, especially considering its role as the main driver of economic growth in the euro zone and its high exposure to the Chinese economy.
The German economy is expected to contract this quarter due to a recession in the industry and lackluster private consumption, leading to four consecutive quarters of negative or flat growth.
The 40-year period of economic expansion in the U.S. from 1980 to 2020 is likely to be replaced by a more regular cycle of boom-bust cycles and frequent recessions, according to analysts at Deutsche Bank, due to factors such as higher inflation and increasing debt-to-GDP levels.
Germany is facing an economic contraction due to challenges in the manufacturing sector, a disappointing China reopening boost, and higher energy costs, leading to a recession in Europe's largest economy. However, there are still some positive aspects, such as opportunities in Germany's small and mid-sized companies.
German housing prices experienced the largest decline since records began in the second quarter of 2023, due to high interest rates and rising materials costs, creating a crisis in the construction industry.