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02.09.2026|New HWWI-forecast

German Economy 2026/27: Signs of Recovery - but Reform Needs Remain

According to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, the German economy performed better in the first half of this year than geopolitical burdens and the negative mood in this country would have expected; the price- and seasonally adjusted gross domestic product increased by 0.75% in this period and by 1.5% on an annual... Read more

According to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, the German economy performed better in the first half of this year than geopolitical burdens and the negative mood in this country would have expected; the price- and seasonally adjusted gross domestic product increased by 0.75% in this period and by 1.5% on an annual basis. At the same time, important reform projects – such as the health care reform (in force), a pension reform and a tax reform (both as a draft) – were launched. In addition, several economic and climate indicators have improved; however, the positive change in sentiment expressed here is not always reflected in public opinion. Apart from this, the continued weakness in private investment activity illustrates the continuing need for structural reforms.
German Economy 2026/27: Signs of Recovery - but Reform Needs Remain
New Colleague
02.11.2026|News from the Institute

New Colleague

We welcome Philip Lauter as a new research assistant at our institute. He will strengthen the research area "Business Cycle and Growth" with immediate effect. Mr. Lauter completed his bachelor's degree in Corporate Management & Economics at Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen and then earned his... Read more

We welcome Philip Lauter as a new research assistant at our institute. He will strengthen the research area "Business Cycle and Growth" with immediate effect. Mr. Lauter completed his bachelor's degree in Corporate Management & Economics at Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen and then earned his master's degree in technical economics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In addition, he gained practical experience in the private sector. We look forward to working with him and welcome him warmly.
The German Fuel Market in Spring 2026: Regional and Temporal Price Responses to the Middle East Conflict, Regulation, and Gas Station Rebates
23.10.2026|New Publication

The German Fuel Market in Spring 2026: Regional and Temporal Price Responses to the Middle East Conflict, Regulation, and Gas Station Rebates

This paper analyzes the effects of the Iran conflict (from February 2026), the 12 o’clock pricing rule, and the fuel price subsidy on the German retail fuel market. Using daily price data from approximately 15,000 stations, it examines price responses for E5, E10, and diesel... Read more

This paper analyzes the effects of the Iran conflict (from February 2026), the 12 o’clock pricing rule, and the fuel price subsidy on the German retail fuel market. Using daily price data from approximately 15,000 stations, it examines price responses for E5, E10, and diesel by brand category and over time. Results indicate a sharp price increase following the supply shock, particularly for diesel, a narrowing of price dispersion across brands, and short-term price reductions from the fuel subsidy.
Estimating Capital Stocks Around the Globe: An Application of the Perpetual Inventory Method with Time- and Spatially Varying Depreciation Rates
15.10.2026|Neue Publikation

Estimating Capital Stocks Around the Globe: An Application of the Perpetual Inventory Method with Time- and Spatially Varying Depreciation Rates

Internationally comparable capital stock data are scarce, making cross-country research on productivity and economic growth more difficult. The authors of the study address this gap with a new database providing comparable estimates for up to 138 countries, covering periods from as early as 1960. The... Read more

Internationally comparable capital stock data are scarce, making cross-country research on productivity and economic growth more difficult. The authors of the study address this gap with a new database providing comparable estimates for up to 138 countries, covering periods from as early as 1960. The estimates use the Perpetual Inventory Method and account for time-varying depreciation rates. Three variants—based on U.S. depreciation profiles, an international average, or country-specific data—allow researchers to compare results under different assumptions. The data are freely available through the HWWI dashboard and will be updated annually.
HWWI beim Verein für Socialpoiltik
16.09.2026|Neues vom HWWI

HWWI beim Verein für Socialpoiltik

Once again this year, the HWWI was represented with its own booth at the annual conference of the Verein für Socialpolitik. The largest academic association for economic sciences in the German-speaking world held its conference in Innsbruck this time. Numerous inspiring discussions took place on... Read more

Once again this year, the HWWI was represented with its own booth at the annual conference of the Verein für Socialpolitik. The largest academic association for economic sciences in the German-speaking world held its conference in Innsbruck this time. Numerous inspiring discussions took place on site—both with promising young scholars and with renowned researchers in the field.
New Colleague
01.09.2026|News from the Institute

New Colleague

We are pleased to welcome Sven Beck as a new research associate at the institute. He will strengthen the “Economic Cycle and Growth” research area. Mr. Beck initially studied International Relations at the University of St. Gallen. During his master’s studies at Imperial College London... Read more

We are pleased to welcome Sven Beck as a new research associate at the institute. He will strengthen the “Economic Cycle and Growth” research area. Mr. Beck initially studied International Relations at the University of St. Gallen. During his master’s studies at Imperial College London (M.Sc. in Economics & Strategy for Business) and Maastricht University (M.Sc. in Economic and Financial Research), he focused on political economy and econometrics. He previously gained practical experience in the private sector at the rating agency Moody’s in the Corporate Credit Ratings division.
HWWI - Summer Reception 2026
01.09.2026|News from HWWI

HWWI - Summer Reception 2026

On September 1st, we came together in the stylish ambience of the Grand Elysée Hamburg to celebrate our almost traditional HWWI summer party. With delicacies from the grill and refreshing drinks, we enjoyed the enriching exchange with our friends, sponsors, partners and companions from science,... Read more

On September 1st, we came together in the stylish ambience of the Grand Elysée Hamburg to celebrate our almost traditional HWWI summer party. With delicacies from the grill and refreshing drinks, we enjoyed the enriching exchange with our friends, sponsors, partners and companions from science, politics, business and society.
HWWI-Commodity Price Index remains volatile: US-Iran MoU provides only temporary relief
18.08.2026|HWWI-Commodity price index

HWWI-Commodity Price Index remains volatile: US-Iran MoU provides only temporary relief

In recent months, the HWWI-Commodity Price Index has shown strong volatility. In May, the total index recorded a further increase of 2.4 %. The following month brought temporary relief as the index fell noticeably by -9.2 % in June. Here, the negotiated US-Iran MoU is... Read more

In recent months, the HWWI-Commodity Price Index has shown strong volatility. In May, the total index recorded a further increase of 2.4 %. The following month brought temporary relief as the index fell noticeably by -9.2 % in June. Here, the negotiated US-Iran MoU is likely to have eased market tensions. However, this stabilization did not last: driven by the renewed resurgence of the conflict, prices picked up again by 2.2 % in July. Despite the intermittent fluctuations and the decline in the early summer, the markets reflect the ongoing geopolitical risks: in July, the overall HWWI-Commodity Price Index remained a significant 19.6 % higher than the corresponding figure for the previous year (as of August 17, 2026).
Energy Commodity Prices in the Context of the 2026 Middle East Conflict
11.08.2026|New Publication

Energy Commodity Prices in the Context of the 2026 Middle East Conflict

This article examines the development of energy commodity prices since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East in spring 2026. Crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as the HWWI Energy Price.

This article examines the development of energy commodity prices since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East in spring 2026. Crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as the HWWI Energy Price.
The Maritime Economy of the Weser-Ems Region
03.07.2026|New HWWI-Study

The Maritime Economy of the Weser-Ems Region

The Weser-Ems region is one of Germany’s most important maritime hubs. Key sectors include shipping companies, ports, shipbuilding, maritime services, offshore wind energy, and research and educational institutions. Because the maritime economy is statistically spread across various industries, its economic significance is often underestimated. In... Read more

The Weser-Ems region is one of Germany’s most important maritime hubs. Key sectors include shipping companies, ports, shipbuilding, maritime services, offshore wind energy, and research and educational institutions. Because the maritime economy is statistically spread across various industries, its economic significance is often underestimated. In fact, its influence extends far beyond the region and the sector, as it provides essential infrastructure and services for international trade. The study highlights this significance by analyzing extensive data from various sources.
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On the HWWI

Hamburg World Economic Institute (HWWI) is an independent, privately financed economic research institute. In addition to the headquarters in Hamburg, the HWWI has a branch in Bremen. It is organized as a non-profit GmbH; the only shareholder is the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. HWWI closely cooperates with Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU).