1159 GMT - The rise in Germany's Ifo business-confidence index is undoubtedly a positive surprise, Commerzbank's Ralph Solveen says. This is especially true given higher U.S. tariffs and the resulting difficulties for firms in accessing the U.S., their most important export market, he notes. The index marked a fourth-consecutive increase, to 86.9 from 86.7. However, tariffs left their mark, with the business expectations in manufacturing weakening in particular. But sentiment in the construction sector improved noticeably, probably as companies hope for additional infrastructure investment to be financed by the German government's new special fund, Solveen says. Indeed, the figures give hope that the German economy will pick up in the course of this year, he adds. (edward.frankl@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 24, 2025 07:59 ET (11:59 GMT)

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