In the third quarter, the eurozone economy showed unexpectedly strong growth, reaching 0.4%. France and Spain became the key drivers of this growth, and Germany, which was previously under threat of recession, increased GDP by 0.2%. In Italy, the production level remained at the level of the previous quarter.
Inflation in Spain accelerated slightly to 1.8%, remaining within the ECB’s target range of 2%. Consumer prices in Germany rose by 2.4% y/y in October.
Germany still faces challenges such as loss of competitiveness due to high energy costs and a shortage of qualified personnel. Nevertheless, growth in the third quarter was supported by consumer and government spending.
The growth of the French economy is associated with the Olympic Games, as well as with increased government spending, despite the difficult financial situation. Although the increase in French GDP has brought some relief to the government, weak investment figures and a slowdown in consumer spending continue to negatively affect the budget.
Austria also showed growth of 0.3%, while Portugal and Lithuania have seen an acceleration in GDP growth.