Germany's central bank releases its monthly report

  • Q1 GDP growth noticeably lower than in previous quarters
  • Manufacturing made minor contribution to Q1 GDP
  • Strikes in metal and electrical industries likely to have played a role on low production levels
  • Unusually strong flu epidemic has also dampened economic activity in other sectors
  • Order situation in manufacturing is still very good

Still ever the optimist it seems. You have to wonder how much more of a slowing down in economic data will only start to change their view.

I reckon this will be a similar take by the ECB when they meet later this week.