BERLIN, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The falling trend of German business confidence came into an end in May, a survey by Germany's Ifo institute showed Friday.

The Ifo business climate index held unchanged at 102.2 in May, after having fallen five months in succession. It beat economists' forecast of 101.9 points.

"The very good current business situation improved slightly, but the optimistic expectations weakened slightly," said Clemens Fuest, President of the info Institute.

"The German economy is performing well in a difficult international situation," he added.

According to the Munich-based think tank, the business climate indexes in manufacturing fell slightly, while the index in services improved.

The index in trade rose sharply in May as companies' assessment of current business situation became much more positive.

The index in construction reached a new record high. "The contractors were noticeably more satisfied with their current business situation," Ifo said.

The Ifo Business Climate Index, considered as the most important barometer for the German economy, is based on about 7,000 monthly survey responses from firms in manufacturing, construction, wholesaling and retailing.?