German companies are facing increasing difficulties in obtaining funding, with a significant rise in banks' restrictive lending behavior. The IFO Institute reported that 32.9% of surveyed businesses experienced credit constraints, the highest in seven years. While some sectors saw a decrease in funding challenges, the overall economic outlook remains bleak, with expectations of a 0.2% contraction in the economy. Experts suggest that easing monetary policy by the ECB could improve conditions, but structural issues and high debt levels pose ongoing risks. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)