--Ifo W German Dec business climate index at 96.5 vs Nov 97.0
--Ifo E German Dec business climate index at 105.1 vs Nov 106.4
--Ifo W German Dec business expectations index 101.1, Nov 101.6
--Ifo W German Dec business evaluation index 92.0, Nov 92.4
By BridgeNews
Frankfurt--Jan. 22--Business sentiment in the western German manufacturing, trade and construction industries took a dive again in December to a seasonally adjusted index reading of 96.5 points compared with 97.0 posted in November, the Ifo economic institute said Monday.
Although the data comes mostly in line with forecasts, which called for a reading of 96.6 points in December, it also marks the seventh month in a row of declining business sentiment.
* * * While falling oil have likely been interpreted as positive for businesses, the appreciating euro and a slowdown in the U.Ss may have worsened the exports outlook for firms, analysts said in their forecasts.