German business confidence posts sixth straight increase as economy continues to prosper

A closely watched survey shows German business confidence grew for the sixth straight month in Europe's biggest economy.

The Ifo institute said Friday that its monthly confidence index rose to 108.6 points for April from 107.9 in March.

Ifo says the numbers show the "upswing in the German economy continues."

The survey is based upon some 7,000 monthly surveys of business managers and is closely watched as a key indicator of Germany's economic prospects.