51.   With inflation declining and employment prospects improving, households should start spending more from the middle of the year.

52.   In a separate index, INSEE reported that French households in March saw a pronounced improvement in employment prospects.

53.   The institutes are less optimistic than the government when it comes to employment prospects, though exact comparisons are difficult to make for technical reasons.

54.   The Kohl government is determined to abolish company assets tax and reduce corporate profits taxes as soon as possible, arguing that they discourage business and thus employment prospects.

55.   The latest survey results showed higher optimism over employment prospects in the months ahead, and more widespread plans to purchase homes and cars.