Business activity fell across the German private sector economy for the first time in almost a year in April, according to the latest ‘flash’ S&P Global PMI® survey, reflecting the effects of the war in the Middle East. Weaker demand led to the steepest drop in new business since December 2024, while intensifying cost pressures resulted in sharper increases in both goods and services prices, with output charge inflation jumping to its highest in over three years. Notably, business expectations turned negative as confidence suffered another marked setback. Employment meanwhile fell at a rate that was ... (full story)