Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle (IWH)

Applauding on a business seminar!

“Best Research Environment 2024”: IWH Financial Markets Department among the winning teams

The IWH Financial Markets Department is one of ten scientific teams to receive the inaugural “Best Research Environment” award. The Junge Akademie and the Volkswagen Foundation are awarding the prize for the first time this year.

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Economic recovery in Germany – but structural problems and US trade policy weigh on the economy

If the US does not escalate its trade conflicts further, production in Germany according to the summer forecast of the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) is likely to increase a bit (by 0.4%) in 2025, after two years of decline.

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Arzt mit Stetoskop

Private ownership boosts hospital performance

New research shows that private equity (PE) acquisitions lead to substantial operational efficiency gains in hospitals, challenging common public concerns. The study reveals that hospitals acquired by PE firms significantly reduce costs without harming patient care.

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IWH founds a European centre for microdata research

The Halle Institute is once again growing significantly. Its new "Centre for Business and Productivity Dynamics" aims to understand better the structural change in Europe's economies. Microdata at firm level allow deeper insights into productivity, a prerequisite for prosperity.

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Chinese mass imports strengthen extreme parties

Globalisation has led to an increase in votes for the political fringes in Europe. A study by the Halle Institute is the first to show the long-term consequences of increased Chinese imports: Far-right and populist parties have benefited from the China shock.

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New database on Europe's real estate markets

Exclusively for non-commercial scientific purposes, the IWH European Real Estate Index (EREI) provides a comprehensive overview of residential property offers for sale and rent in 18 European countries.

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Solidarity with Ukraine

The Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany draws consequences for academia.

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Ein Heißluftballon schebt im blauen Himmel.

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Press Releases

12.06.2025 • 19/2025

Economic recovery in Germany – but structural problems and US trade policy weigh on the economy

Professor Dr Oliver Holtemöller
Abstract

The German economy has picked up somewhat in the first half of 2025. This was helped by the temporary increase in demand from the US in anticipation of higher tariffs. If the US does not escalate its trade conflicts further, production in Germany according to the summer forecast of the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) is likely to increase a bit (by 0.4%) in 2025, after two years of decline. In March, the IWH economists were forecasting growth of 0.1% for the current year. Growth of 1.1% is forecast for the year 2026. Similar expansion rates are to be expected for East Germany.

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10.06.2025 • 18/2025

IWH-Insolvenztrend: Weniger Firmenpleiten im Mai, aber mehr Jobs betroffen

Professor Dr Steffen Müller
Abstract

Die Zahl der Insolvenzen von Personen- und Kapitalgesellschaften in Deutschland ist im Mai spürbar zurückgegangen. Laut Insolvenztrend des Leibniz-Instituts für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle (IWH) stieg jedoch die ohnehin hohe Zahl von betroffenen Beschäftigten weiter an.

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21.05.2025 • 17/2025

Uncertainty Holds Back European Economy ‒ Report by AIECE, a Network of European Economic Research Institutes

Dr Axel Lindner
Abstract

The AIECE Association of European Economic Research Institutes has today published its bi-annual General Report, following the Spring 2025 Meeting held in Oslo hosted by Statistics Norway. The Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) is a long-time member of this network and regularly contributes its economic expertise to the joint analyses and forecasts. On average, AIECE member institutes forecast EU GDP to grow by of 1.2% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026. The average forecast for Euro Area GDP growth is 1.0% and 1.3%. These forecasts are a bit more optimistic than those presented in the OECD's March 2025 Interim Report and the IMF's Spring 2025 World Economic Outlook.

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14.05.2025 • 16/2025

Private ownership boosts hospital performance

Professor Merih Sevilir, PhD
Abstract

New research by the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) and ESMT Berlin shows that private equity (PE) acquisitions lead to substantial operational efficiency gains in hospitals, challenging common public concerns. The study reveals that hospitals acquired by PE firms significantly reduce costs and administrative staff without increasing closure rates or harming patient care.

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