According to the Ifo Institute in Dresden, East German companies are looking to the future with greater optimism. The institute’s Business Climate Index rose to 92.2 points in October. In September, it had stood at 91.2 points. This marks the sixth consecutive month of growth. According to the survey, the companies assessed their current business situation as slightly better than in the previous month. However, they expressed significantly more optimism regarding future expectations. The business climate improved noticeably, particularly in the retail sector. The index also performed slightly better than in the previous month in the manufacturing and service sectors. In the construction industry, however, the business climate cooled somewhat in October. The Ifo Business Climate Index for Eastern Germany is based on approximately 1,700 reports from companies in industry, the service sector, retail, and the construction sector. It is considered an important leading indicator for the economy. The Business Climate Index is composed of assessments of both the current situation and business expectations. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved