German consumers in driving seat of economy as pay improves

reuters.com ^ | Feb. 25, 2015 | Michelle Martin and Ilona Wissenbach

[Berlin_Freeper]

German consumers have taken over from exporters as the mainstay of growth in Europe's largest economy, boosted by low oil prices and interest rates, a strong job market and rising wages.

Private consumption was the main engine of strong growth at the end of 2014, and it looks set to keep driving the economy, after Germany's largest labour union won a wage deal on Tuesday that will benefit 3.7 million workers.

[Berlin_Freeper]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-24/german-economy-gets-boost-from-consumers-and-exports

[9thLife]

That puts ‘em in a better position to buy that new Greek bond issue!

[thackney]

Wow, what savings! Germany gasoline is down to only $5.75 a gallon.

http://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/#Germany

In these countries where the taxes are several times the cost of fuel, there is not a lot savings with the drop in oil/gasoline prices.

[Berlin_Freeper]

Berlin to Cologne
357 miles
$47

[Berlin_Freeper]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-11-14/merkel-coalition-unveils-balanced-budget-in-snub-to-u-s-

[Berlin_Freeper]

Low interest on existing debts and healthy tax revenues from 2014 mean that the German government has hit its target for 2015 - achieving a federal budget with no new debts - a year ahead of schedule.

[Berlin_Freeper]

Wow, what savings! Venezuela is at the top of your list!

Lmao!

[thackney]

See what a benefit government subsidies and socialism can be?

Now if you could only actually find the products to buy at these low prices....