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German construction activity posts renewed contraction in January
The German construction sector suffered a setback at the start of 2026, seeing total industry activity return to contraction after rising for the first time in almost four years in December, the latest HCOB PMI® survey data showed. Sustained growth in the civil engineering segment was offset by accelerated downturns in both housing and commercial activity. Nevertheless, business confidence improved across the construction sector, with expectations turning positive for the first time since last May. The latest survey results also showed a third straight monthly increase in workforce numbers at building companies. On ... (full story)