German corporate optimism increases again.

The German Ifo institute's business climate index has increased to its highest level in 2 1/2 years, rising to 111.3 in February from 110.6 in January and topping consensus that was also 110.6. The current-situation reading rose and exceeded forecasts, although the expectations print slipped. "The German economy is holding its own in a changeable global climate," says Ifo.