German industrial output unexpectedly rose in December thanks to a busy manufacturing sector, indicating Europe's largest economy continues to steam ahead despite fears of a slowdown.
Data published today say industrial output rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.7 per cent in December from November.
Unlike in November, the most recent rise was particularly due to the manufacturing industry, while the construction sector managed to stay at the high level it had reached, the German finance ministry said in a statement accompanying the figures.
Together with yesterday's stronger-than-expected manufacturing orders data, the rise in output should help to allay fears that Germany's economy may be slowing down.
Such concerns were prompted by German unemployment data on Tuesday which rose against expectations.
Reuters
