Combined, the quarterly results add up to 2.2-percent expansion over the full year, the fastest rate since 2011. The final three months of the year saw exports contribute more strongly to growth than they had between July and September. Private-sector analysts like those at Berenberg or Commerzbank dangle the prospect of even faster growth of 2.5 percent or more. "Leading indicators suggest the economy is likely to hold up the current speed, if not accelerate," Berenberg analyst Hense said. "Following German politics is currently better than binge viewing TV series like 'House of Cards'," Brzeski quipped.

Source: The Local February 14, 2018 14:37 UTC