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.