VAT Down?

The Value-Added-Tax (VAT) in Germany going down 3-cents?  Yes.

So the discussion will occur in the Bundestag today, and the goal is to sign off with the lowering of the VAT, down to 16-percent (instead of 19-percent).

A big deal?  Most economic experts are talking mixed results.

First, it's ONLY for six months, and would go back 19-percent on 1 January.

Around 20 years ago, it was a standard 16-percent.  In 1968, it was ten-percent.

So if we were talking about a nifty 800 Euro TV that was on the sales floor last month?  The new price would be 776 Euro.  Some stores are desperate enough to just move items....that over the next six months....they might be willing to throw another 10-percent cut on prices, and try to entice with specials. 

All ending after Christmas?  Well, that's the curious timing to the story.