California is set to surpass Germany as the fourth largest economy in the world. It seems unstoppable. Technology, media, clean energy... The Golden State shines.

Germany is not having an easy time. Political issues, declining industry, fewer workers. California could surpass it in 2025 or 2026.

California's GDP reached 4.2 trillion in 2024. It grew by 3.2%. This year, it is projected to be 2.9%. Germany contracted by 0.1% in 2025. It looks bad. For 2026, they are only expecting 0.3%.

California innovates and adapts. It has giants like Alphabet, Apple, Visa. They not only survive, they thrive. Their revenue rose 30% in 2024. This year, another 7%.

Employment is growing. 18,000 new jobs per month in 2025. Previously, it was 16,500. Unemployment fell to 4.8% in August.

Germany is losing jobs. People are spending less. The economy is slowing down. San Francisco accounts for 80% of the California stock market. It rose from 78%.

The problems in Germany are deep. Political instability. Elections in March 2026. Without a strong government, it's difficult to fix the economy.

The war in Ukraine complicates everything. Expensive energy, broken supplies. The industry suffers. Health, consumption, industrial products... barely grow.

Those who predicted a flight of companies from California due to COVID were mistaken. Innovation is flourishing. San Francisco has 70% more listed companies than in 2020.