Germany’s economy steamed ahead in the final three months of last year with exports jumping more than expected in November along with overall industrial production.<br /><br /> Adjusted for seasonal factors like the weather exports rose by 3.9 percent from October, their steepest monthly rise in four-and-half years. Year-on-year they were up by 5.6 percent. <br /><br /> “The weak euro helps German exporters,” Helaba analyst Stefan Muetze said.<br /><br /> Imports increased by 3.5 percent which was the strongest monthly rise since June 2014.<br /><br /> Read the full report here (in English)<br /><br /> Growth of Europe’s biggest economy was also driven by increased industrial production for the second consecutive month in November.<br /><br /> It edged up 0.4 percent compared with October, with construction the strongest performer, followed by manufacturing.<br /><br /> The October reading was revised up to a rise of 0.5 percent from a previously reported rise of 0.3 percent.<br /><br /> “Production in manufacturing and construction clearly picked up after the weak summer semester,” the Economy Ministry said.<br /><br /> “Both orders intake in manufacturing and construction orders as well as the sentiment indicators in these sectors are pointing to a solid output growth in the winter semester,” it added.<br /><br /> For 2016 as a whole, the government predicts higher private consumption and state spending to have propelled growth to 1.8 percent, which would be the strongest in five years.<br /><br /> The Federal Statistics Office will publish preliminary GDP growth data for 2016 on Thursday.<br />
