A Look Ahead: DIW Gives Thumbs Up for 1.7% Economic Growth in 2026
Anticipated Economic Expansion: Predicted 1.7% Increase in GDP for 2026 (according to DEW) - Anticipated 1.7% Economic Expansion Forecast for 2026 by DIW
Here's a rundown of the latest forecasts from Germany's economic research heavyweights, including DIW Berlin, ifo Institute, IFW Kiel, RWI Leibniz Institute, and IWH. A few key details have been added to provide more context.
Economic Forecasts for 2026: A Compilation
| Institute | 2026 GDP Growth Forecast | Context/Notes ||----------------------------|-------------------------|--------------|| DIW Berlin | +1.7% | New forecast, up from 1.1% previously anticipated[1][4]. || ifo Institute | +1.5% | Upgraded forecast, compared to 0.8% initially expected[2][3]. || IFW Kiel (Kiel Institute for the World Economy) | Not explicitly found (no recent published 2026 forecast in the accessible sources). | Typically, this institute's forecasts are in alignment with DIW Berlin and ifo Institute, but a recent 2026 forecast was not available in the latest data available. || RWI Leibniz Institute | Not available | No 2026 forecast found in the most recent publications[5]. || IWH (Halle Institute for Economic Research) | Not available | No 2026 forecast found in the most recent publications[6]. |
Key Takeaways
- DIW Berlin is backing a 1.7% growth for the German economy in 2026, an increase from the previous 1.1% estimate[1][4].
- The ifo Institute is forecasting a 1.5% GDP growth for 2026, compared to an initial 0.8% prediction[2][3].
- As of the current data, IFW Kiel, RWI, and IWH do not have specific 2026 GDP growth forecasts published in the most recent reports accessible. Generally, these institutes' forecasts often mirror those of DIW Berlin or ifo Institute.
The Bottom Line
As of the present, DIW Berlin is the most optimistic German research institute regarding 2026 economic growth, with a prognosis of 1.7%, while ifo Institute follows with a 1.5% forecast[1][2][4]. Forecasts from IFW Kiel, RWI, and IWH for 2026 have not been provided in the most recent public reports.
- The employment policy of EC countries might be positively impacted by the 1.7% economic growth forecasted by DIW Berlin for 2026, as a growing economy often leads to increased job opportunities.
- Businesses in EC countries may benefit from the improved economic outlook, as forecasted by institutions like DIW Berlin and ifo Institute, as a more robust economy could ensure a stable financial environment, enabling sustainable growth and expansion.
