Economic upswing: no return to the pre-pandemic era

The strong rise in the Ifo business climate index confirms for Germany what can also be observed in other countries.

The vaccination campaigns, which have gained momentum, are gradually making it possible to move away from a policy of drastic restrictions - not only - on economic life.

It would not be surprising if the pandemic-ridden world experienced an economic upswing in the second half of the year that significantly exceeded previous forecasts.

Of course, there can be no question of a return to the time before the pandemic.

The virus is unlikely to go away;

rather, people will have to learn to live with the virus.

The move away from the generation of energy using fossil fuels is likely to gain considerable momentum, with economic, political and social consequences that cannot yet be clearly foreseen.

For the first time in four decades, inflation could become an important topic again - with an uncertain outcome.

In order to master the challenges of the future, it will take more than an economic rush after a pandemic.