German GDP grows in the latest quarter

A strong rise in German exports outstripped gains in imports to power growth of 0.4% in Europe’s largest economy in the second quarter, data showed yesterday.

The outlook for industrial companies is buoyed by full order books, but investments flagged in the quarter, clouding the picture as concerns over a global economic slowdown intensify.

The figures from Germany’s Federal Statistics Office showed Germany’s export engine, traditionally its major growth driver, was in rude health at the mid-point of 2015.