A closely watched survey shows a larger-than-expected slide in German business confidence amid jitters over Europe's debt crisis, AP reported. The Ifo Institute said Friday that its confidence index dropped nearly two points from a month earlier to 112.9. Economists expected only a marginal slip. Ifo said companies' assessment of both their current situation and the outlook for the next six months declined. Germany is on course for a second consecutive year of strong economic growth driven by an export boom and signs of increasing domestic demand. -- SPA
