What can we expect in 2024? A question that you may still be asking yourself in mid-January, as setting an investment strategy is particularly difficult this year due to so many uncertainties.

Global crises, an open interest rate policy, a looming recession, and an uncertain budget situation are undoubtedly cause for concern. This applies to both private investors like yourself and official economic representatives.

Survey reveals bleak expectations According to tagesschau.de, a survey by the employer-friendly Institute of the German Economy (IW) among 47 German business associations has shown that only nine of them expect a higher level of production in 2024. 23 associations expect a decrease in production or business.

„Rarely has the situation been as bleak as it is currently, and rarely has the forecast been so pessimistic,“ the results of the IW survey are summarized on tagesschau.de.

The overall result is particularly sobering because the mood was already bad last year due to various problems. However, some of these problems have been partially resolved. Inflation has decreased significantly despite a slight increase in December. The European Central Bank (ECB) had announced a pause in interest rate increases after ten consecutive increases and stated that interest rates could fall again in 2024. Falling interest rates would make it easier for companies to invest, which should have a positive effect on the economy.

So, while things have improved for companies in the past year, the situation is still rarely as bleak as it is currently?

High energy prices are a major competitive disadvantage The problem is that high energy prices are putting increasing pressure on European companies. „Europe is still suffering from high energy prices. Companies are burdened by this – compared to American companies, the cost burden on European companies is two to three times higher. This is a massive competitive disadvantage,“ explains Chris-Oliver Schickentanz of Capitell Asset Management on tagesschau.de.

In addition, things are not running smoothly from an economic perspective in the US and China either. This is being felt by European trading partners. „Made in Germany“ goods are no longer as in demand as they used to be. Whether in mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, or car manufacturing, the number of orders is decreasing.

In order to prevent German entrepreneurs from coming under even more pressure, demands are being made on the government. For example, experts are calling for a reform of the debt brake. Jörg Krämer, chief economist at Commerzbank, also has concrete ideas to prevent the situation from deteriorating even further. „Companies finally need better framework conditions, they need competitive energy costs, they need faster approval procedures, they need better roads,“ Krämer said on tagesschau.de.

What you should do now The pessimistic economic outlook should – and must – also be taken into account in your investment decisions. This is easier if you seek professional support. You can find this in „Sicheres Geld,“ a consulting service for critical investors who want active asset protection.

Loyal readers of „Sicheres Geld“ have only good things to say about the recommendations, as they have been able to protect and increase their assets over the past two years despite the crisis. This is certainly also of interest to you. Therefore, you should definitely get to know „Sicheres Geld.“