Ifo Institute for Economic Research (latest release)
Measures Level of a composite index based on surveyed manufacturers, builders, wholesalers, and retailers;
Usual Effect Actual > Forecast = Good for currency;
Frequency Released monthly, around 3 weeks into the current month;
Next Release Feb 23, 2015
FF Notes This survey is highly respected due to its large sample size and historic correlation with German and wider Eurozone economic conditions. It tends to create a hefty market impact upon release. Source changed series from a base year of 2000 to a base year of 2005 as of May 2011;
Why Traders
Care It's a leading indicator of economic health - businesses react quickly to market conditions, and changes in their sentiment can be an early signal of future economic activity such as spending, hiring, and investment;
Derived Via Survey of about 7,000 businesses which asks respondents to rate the relative level of current business conditions and expectations for the next 6 months;
Acro Expand Information and Forschung (Ifo);