German industrial orders posted the first drop for eight months in October, falling 2.1%, as the pace of recovery in Europe's biggest economy slackened, the government said today.
The economy ministry said a subdued recovery in industrial production is expected for the fourth quarter.
Economists had forecast a rise of 0.5% in orders in October, following seven straight monthly increases.
The ministry said that the October result was skewed by an unusually low number of large orders. Foreign orders fell 3.5% and domestic orders slipped 0.5%.
There was also a reduced number of orders in the auto industry, including for parts suppliers, as a government 'cash-for-clunkers' programme supporting new car sales expired.
Export-orientated Germany has been hit hard by the global recession, and is on course this year for its worst downturn since World War II despite stimulus measures worth around €80 billion.
