Germany's businesses remain mired in pessimism despite a small uptick in the latest survey, as Europe’s largest economy struggles with shortages of skilled labor, slower global trade, and political squabbling. The closely watched Ifo institute survey of business sentiment rose slightly to 85.5 points in February from 85.2 points in January due to “slightly less pessimistic expectations," the institute said in an accompanying statement. Economists say there's little likelihood of an upturn soon.
