The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) has some good news to report in its latest press release on the economic situation in the Federal Republic of Germany: "Growth has in all probability accelerated in the first quarter of this year, driven by the dynamic development in the industry and in the primary building trade." The market in Germany is thus developing positively despite the general cooling down of the world economy.

"The more clearly emerging weak phase in the USA is accompanied by increasing strains and risks to the world economy. (...) The economic and price risks have increased with the continuing problems of the US mortgage crisis, the distinct shift of currency relations and the further rise in the prices of crude oil and food."

With a slight decline in international demand, mainly the domestic demand has a supporting effect, according to the ministry: "Building production showed particularly strong growth. This increased by another 3.7 % in February, after +11.4 % in January. The prospects for the manufacturing industry remain very favourable."

The sustained upturn of investment in fixed assets and the improved situation of the public budgets should continue to provide impetus according to the BMWi forecast: "Orders in the primary building trade are developing in an extremely volatile way at present due to large orders. In the three-month comparison, which is less prone to fluctuations, the volume of orders is increasing (November / December / January compared with August / September / October: +3.3 %)."