German economy shrinks, casting shadow over European growth
Associated PressFRANKFURT, Germany — Germany’s economy shrank by 0.1 percent in the second quarter as global trade conflicts and troubles in the auto industry held back the largest member of the 19-country euro currency union. The state statistics agency Destatis said Wednesday that falling exports held back output compared to the first quarter, while demand from consumers and government spending at home supported the economy. Germany’s economy is facing headwinds as its auto industry, a key employer and pillar of growth, faces challenges adjusting to tougher emissions standards in Europe and China and to technological change. Andreas Rees, chief German economist at UniCredit, said that the growth figures and Merkel’s nuanced remarks indicated the likelihood of a moderate fiscal easing next year “has increased significantly.” The German quarterly decline was a big reason why growth across the wider 19-country eurozone has slowed.