Germany contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter and there had been speculation that third quarter data due out next month would show a similar performance. France and Spain grew by 0.3% and 0.4% respectively, which is slightly better than had been forecast.
Eurozone’s annual growth rate continues its steady decline during 2019, from 1.3% in the first quarter to 1.2% in the second and 1.1% in the latest three months.
Eurostat’s data for the 28 member EU including the UK showed GDP expanded by 0.3% between the second and third quarters and at an annual rate of 1.4%.