Overview

• Consumer price inflation rose to 2.2% in August, the first increase this year, with core inflation at 2.7% as food prices climbed and energy stayed cheaper than a year ago.
• Real wages increased 1.9% year on year in the second quarter on 4.1% nominal gains, yet July retail turnover fell by 1.0% month on month in nominal terms and 1.5% in real terms.
• Unemployment reached 3.025 million in August for a 6.4% rate, the highest level since 2015, though survey indicators suggest the rise could be near a turning point.
• The pension insurer reported 21.4 million beneficiaries and a record €402.8 billion in 2024 outlays, with the July 3.74% adjustment fully reflected in September and extra supplements for some disability pensions due 10–20 September.
• Business leaders at the DIHK pressed for limits on pension and care benefits to contain contribution burdens, while welfare groups warned a potential 2026 Bürgergeld freeze could hit roughly 1.2 million low‑income pensioners; the labor ministry said next year’s rates remain undecided.