How sound is Germany's economy? Ask its troubled neighbours

Growth figures for the eurozone are out on Thursday and the signs are not good. Data already released show that industrial output was down in the single currency's "big three" – Germany, France and Italy – during the second quarter as the recovery that began in the middle of 2013 petered out.

Jump in housing starts points to recovery

(Reuters) - Housing starts and building permits jumped to a 1-1/2 year high in November as demand for rental apartments rose, suggesting the housing market was entering a tentative recovery.