Germany beats forecasts as euro zone slows to 0.4%
· Economy · Germany · European Union
Germany's economy grew 0.2% in the third quarter, above analyst estimates and a lift for Europe's largest economy, described as showing "life in the old dog". The euro zone as a whole slowed to 0.4% growth in the period, with crisis-hit France contracting. Analysts said the bloc showed surprising resilience but still faces weak productivity, industrial competitiveness challenges and demographic pressures.
Why it matters：The figures show the euro zone holding up despite France's contraction, but underline persistent weakness in its industrial core.
Key points
- German growth of 0.2% beat analyst estimates
- Euro zone growth slowed to 0.4% in the third quarter
- France's economy contracted