German industry output in January surpasses forecast, driven by increase in manufacturing

Berlin

GERMAN industrial production rose more than expected in January, driven by strong demand for machinery, vehicles and other capital goods, data showed on Wednesday, suggesting Europe's biggest economy started into 2017 on a solid footing.

The figures, published by the Economy Ministry on Wednesday, gave some reassurance that Germany's economic upswing is likely to continue after data on Tuesday showed industrial orders posting their biggest monthly slump in eight years.

"Industrial production is back on track," said Bankhaus Lampe economist Alexander Krueger, adding that factories would push up overall economic growth in the …