Germany to record strong growth in 2017 despite signs of weakness

Berlin

GERMANY'S economy weakened at the start of the third quarter after a strong performance in the first half of the year, but indicators suggest its solid growth will continue, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

Europe's biggest economy is enjoying a consumer-led upswing, propelled by record-high employment, rising real wages and low borrowing costs - conditions that are likely to help Chancellor Angela Merkel win a fourth term in Sunday's federal election.

The ministry, controlled by Mrs Merkel's conservatives and their veteran lawmaker Wolfgang Schaeuble, said in its monthly report that the economy lost some momentum at th…