Germany

Germany, Europe's largest economy, has officially entered a recession for the first time in five years after its GDP fell 0.5% in the third quarter.

Germany's recovery from years of high unemployment and subdued economic conditions means it now offers huge potential for commercial property investors.

The number of listed properties in commercial structures worldwide could jump by as much as 70% in the next four years, according to Fidelity.

The upper house of Germany's Parliament has agreed to the creation of German Real Estate Investment Trusts, potentially creating significant growth opportunities for property investors.

PROPERTY investors fed up with an "overstretched" UK market could do worse than look to Germany, say analysts.

The end of the year is a good time to sit back and reflect - and frankly there is not much to be cheery about.

The German residential property market could be Europe's star performer of the next few years, but UK investors could be frozen out according to analysis of latest moves to restrict ownership.

Companies and markets associated with the World Cup, along with related activities such as TV sales and pizza delivery, are predicted to see a short-term profits rise.

Financial advisers may be missing a business opportunity, suggests Alliance and Leicester International, as few expatriates save money once they leave the UK despite improved financial positions.