Our figure of the month
In today's information age we are surrounded by an almost infinite amount of data. Each month, the GWS-WiSo-team selects a particularly interesting economic and/or social topic or question from the multitude of available information, which is highlighted as the "number of the month". The current number as well as the earlier numbers of the month can be found here.
Prices for building materials remain at a high level
The construction industry, one of the most important sectors of the domestic economy, is currently in crisis. According to the Ifo Institute's business climate indicator, sentiment in the construction industry continued to deteriorate in…
Ten million employees could benefit from the minimum wage increase on 1 January 2024
A general statutory minimum wage has been in force in Germany since 1 January 2015, which sets the minimum wage for employees in all sectors and occupations. On 1 January 2024, it will increase to €12.40 gross per hour, having last been…
Expensive New Year's Eve – above-average price increases for ingredients for a good New Year's Eve party
The year 2023 is drawing to a close and the New Year's Eve party is just around the corner. Traditionally, champagne, New Year's Eve carp, ingredients for a fondue or raclette meal and party snacks are on the shopping list for this…
Veggie or meat for Christmas?
Less and less meat is being eaten in Germany. While meat was considered an indicator of prosperity in this country many years ago, as is currently the case in China, for example, its reputation and consumption have been falling noticeably…
Private consumption and the region: a weakening bond?
Is consumer spending by private households still regionally bound? This question is crucial for regional development, as household spending accounts for around 50 % of gross domestic product, at least at a national level. If the…
World Savings Day – but who saves at all?
Saving is traditionally an important but also sensitive topic in Germany. The Germans have the reputation of being the "world champions in saving". And indeed, the savings rate of Germans is on average over 10% – only a few countries…
Young talent for the construction industry – a look at apprenticeship figures in the construction and finishing trades
The construction industry is currently caught between slumping order numbers due to high construction and financing costs and the German government's goal of building 400,000 homes a year. In addition, the finishing trade in particular…
Turning point in the manufacturing sector
German industry is in the midst of times of structural upheaval and faces a variety of challenges: High energy costs, inflation, a shortage of skilled workers, crippling digitalization, decarbonization and the global trend towards…
Median wages on spatial planning regions
For the analysis of wage developments, the Federal Employment Agency evaluates the medians of the monthly gross wages of full-time employees subject to social insurance at the place of work at the end of the year. At the regional level,…
Employees affected by a peatland restoration project
The drained moors in Germany emit as many emissions annually as the entire German air traffic. For centuries, peatlands have been drained to meet the growing demand for settlement and agricultural land [1]. Systematic drainage has led to…