Business Cycles
Here you find a compilation of HWWI publications, projects, events and press releases on the topic of Business Cycles.
Publications
Press Releases
New HWWI-forecast
After a good start to this year for the German economy, the outlook for growth and inflation has deteriorated significantly since the end of February due to the Iran war, in particular the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the associated increase in energy prices. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is now lasting longer than initially expected. The erratic US tariff policy is also noticeably dampening German export activities. However, the mood in the economy has also been affected by home-grown problems, especially because the reform process is progressing slowly and has been overshadowed by disagreements within the coalition government. The further development of the Iran conflict is unclear, and the upcoming reforms harbor potential for conflict. Even if the Strait of Hormuz will soon become passable again and oil and gas prices will fall, the increase in energy prices will continue to have an impact for some time. And the subdued mood among investors and consumers is likely to cause restraint for the time being. Only government consumer spending and fiscal programs for infrastructure and defense provide impetus. Under these conditions, the German economy is likely to grow by just under 3/4% this year. In 2027, with an end to the Iran war and a more consistent reform policy, real gross domestic product could grow by 1 1/4%.
New HWWI Forecast
The German economy is waiting for the economic turnaround. As in the first half of 2025 overall, real gross domestic product stagnated in the 3rd quarter. A difficult international environment and a so far only tentative implementation of reforms by the new government – overshadowed by recurring disruptions within the coalition – continued to slow down economic development. However, following the settlement of the tariff issue with the USA and the gradual implementation of fiscal spending programmes and support measures, the economic climate should improve. This should be reflected in the corresponding statistics in the last months of this year, but especially from next year, especially in the case of investment in construction and equipment. Government and private consumption will also continue to support the economy. Only the balance of exports will have a negative effect with only weak exports and stronger growth in imports. For 2025, the HWWI continues to expect economic growth of 0.2% on an annual average. With increased economic momentum as a result of the fiscal programmes and support measures, economic growth of 1 1/2% is then expected for 2026 and 2027, especially as more working days (2026 a total of 2 1/2 more than in 2025, another 1 1/4 more in 2027).