BERLIN (Reuters) - Sentiment among German exporters rose for the third month in a row in December, reaching its best reading since June, according to a survey by the Ifo economic institute published on Tuesday.
"When it comes to their exports, German manufacturers are cautiously optimistic as they head into the new year," said Ifo President Clemens Fuest.
The institute's export expectations indicator rose to 1.6 points in December from 0.9 points the previous month.
The automotive industry continues to expect significant growth, albeit slightly less than in the previous month, according to Ifo's survey of about 2,300 businesses, while the chemical industry assumes export sales will decline.