Economy

Expert view: Economists react to eurozone GDP growth

Speedy recovery from Germany, France, Italy and Spain led the euro area out of recession in the first quarter

First-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.3 per cent from the previous three months — the strongest pace in 1 and a half years. Picture: Getty

The eurozone exited recession as its four top economies drove much speedier growth than expected, though the recent retreat in inflation stalled.

First-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.3 per cent from the previous three months — the strongest pace in 1 and a half years. A separate release showed consumer prices rose an annual 2.4 per cent in April, matching March’s pace and in line with analyst estimates.

The prospects for the 20-nation ...