Upturn in Germany Strengthens in Spite of Global Economic Risks: Joint Economic Forecast Spring 2017
The German economy is already in the fifth year of a moderate upturn. Capacity utilization is gradually increasing, and aggregate production capacities are now likely to have slightly exceeded their normal utilisation levels. However, cyclical dynamics remain low compared to earlier periods of recoveries, as consumption expenditures, which do not exhibit strong fluctuations, have been the main driving force so far. In addition, net migration increases potential output, counteracting a stronger ca-pacity tightening. Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to expand by 1.5 % (1.8 % adjusted for calendar effects) and 1.8 % in the next year. Unemployment is expected to fall to 6.1 % in 2016, to 5.7 % in 2017 and 5.4 % in 2018.
