Rapidly rising house prices can leave an economy vulnerable to a subsequent price correction with ensuing negative wealth effects.

This forecast is based on both a positive outlook for exports and -- more significantly -- on a progressive firming of domestic demand.

The situation in some member states calls for careful monitoring.

Our main goal is the economy and the correction of people's situations. You can do these simultaneously, one does not hurt the other.

The immediate driver is that investment activity is picking up. The global economy remains very robust, and after a long and dreadful period, there are hopes that German consumption will strengthen.

By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of an economy, policy-makers and business leaders are provided with a tool to assist them in the formulation of improved economic policies and institutional reforms,