German industrial output slipped by 0.6% in June from May, official data showed today, a sign that the growth of Europe's top economy could be uncertain in coming months.
The economy ministry revised higher, however, a provisional figure for May to growth of 2.9% from an already better than expected 2.6%. Construction activity was also weaker, losing 0.9% on the month following a revised drop of 1.9% in May.
The economy ministry yesterday reported that industrial orders had jumped by 3.2% in June, with foreign demand driving a significant rebound after a surprise drop the month before. That result was more than double the figure analysts had forecast.
The European Central Bank also said yesterday that the euro zone economy should 'grow at a moderate and still uneven pace, in an environment of uncertainty,' this year.
Germany officially expects its economy to expand by 1.4% this year, but many economists and even the finance and economy ministers have mooted a level closer to 2%.
