DATEV MITTELSTANDSINDEX
Sales increase significantly for the first time in two years
In a seasonally and calendar-adjusted comparison, the DATEV SME Sales Index shows a decline of 0.4 points to 93.3 points compared to the previous month. Despite this short-term decline, the index shows an overall positive development compared to the previous year. After two years of almost continuously negative sales growth, May 2025 recorded a seasonally and calendar-adjusted increase of 2.8% compared to the weak May 2024. This positive trend is largely due to the stabilization of sales in the retail sector and growth in the services sector. However, the hospitality industry continues to face challenges. With a renewed decline in turnover of 7.0% compared to the previous year, the sector remains the problem child in the current economic situation.
The wage index rose by 0.1 points to 114.3 points in May compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. This corresponds to a nominal wage increase of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Wage and salary growth thus continues to outpace the general price trend and remains a relevant cost factor for companies.
Adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects, the employment index fell by 0.3 points to 100.7 points in May, which equates to a year-on-year decline of 1.4%. While employment in medium-sized companies fell only minimally, small companies in particular recorded a significant drop in employment.
