German export industry "cautiously optimistic": ifo Institute

BERLIN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment in Germany's export industry has improved slightly, with the indicator of export expectations rising from 0.9 points in November to 1.6 points in December, the ifo Institute for economic research said on Tuesday.

German manufacturers are "cautiously optimistic as they head into the new year," ifo President Clemens Fuest said. Meanwhile, the country's important car industry is expecting significant growth.