German business confidence stable despite global slowdown fears April 25, 2016 - 16:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A closely watched measure of German business optimism was stable in April despite worries about a possible global economic slowdown, the Associated Press reports. The Ifo index barely slipped to 106.6 points from 106.7 points in March. Market analysts had expected a small rise to 107.0 points. The head of the Ifo institute in Munich, Clemens Fuest, said Monday, April 25 that "the mood in the German economy remains positive." Germany's economy depends heavily on trade and would suffer from a serious slowdown in China and other emerging economies. The Ifo index fell in the first two months of the year amid financial market turmoil and fears about world growth. ING-Diba economist Carsten Brzeski wrote in a research note that "today's Ifo adds to latest hopes that the widely-feared sharp global slowdown is not happening."  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Related sections Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
