BERLIN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Ifo Business Climate Index for industry and trade in Germany fell to 115.4 points in February from 117.6 points in January, the research institute Ifo reported on Thursday.

According to the Munich-based think tank, surveyed companies were less satisfied with their current business situation, while they are also far less optimistic about their six-month business outlook.

The business climate indexes in manufacturing, construction, wholesaling, and retailing all fell, it reported.

"Germany's very favourable business climate cooled down considerably this month," said Ifo president Clemens Fuest.

The Ifo Business Climate Index, considered 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.