German business sentiment rose more than expected in February

German business morale rose more than expected in February, a survey showed on Monday, as both current conditions and expectations increased.

- 

The Ifo institute said its business climate index rose to 88.6 in February compared to the previous month. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a slight rise to 88.4.

"The German economy is showing the first signs of a recovery," said Ifo's president Clemens Fuest.

Companies were more satisfied with their current business situation, with the index rising to 86.7 in February from 85.7 in January.

Expectations also brightened, with the index at 90.5 in February, up from 89.6 in the previous month.

German business morale rose more than expected in February, a survey showed on Monday.

The Ifo institute said its business climate index rose to 88.6 in February compared to the previous month.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a slight rise to 88.4.

European shares dipped in choppy trading on Monday, rocked by a fresh wave of uncertainty regarding US trade policy after President Donald Trump announced a new rate of global tariffs.

The pan-European STOXX had capped last week with a record high after the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs that Trump had slapped on global economies last year. Over the weekend, Trump announced a new 108 rate and then lifted it to 158, sparking ambiguity over the relevance of trade deals such as with the EU. The European Commission has ruled out changes.