Economic growth in the 19 country eurozone slowed to 0.3 percent in the second quarter according to official figures. A 0.4 percent growth was forecast.<br /><br /> What is seen as relatively meagre expansion came against the backdrop of heavy monetary stimulus from the European Central Bank and a weak euro that boosted exports.<br /><br /> The bloc’s largest economy, Germany accelerated slightly to 0.4 percent from 0.3 in the first quarter. France’s economy didn’t grow at all. Italy showed a 0.2 percent growth while Spain grew by one percent.<br /><br /> The data from Germany was below expectations for a 0.5 percent expansion. The country’s Federal Statistics Office said that weakness in investment and a marked drop in inventories weighed on growth while the weaker euro helped exports.<br /><br /> Despite stagnation in the French economy in the second quarter finance minister Michel Sapin said he believed the economy was still on track to reach the government’s target of 1 percent growth for the year. Weak consumer spending
