German industrial production up for fifth month in September

Rising factory orders suggest recovery in the manufacturing sector is gaining momentum

The Berlin skyline. The central bank predicts Germany’s recovery will continue at a considerably slower pace in the current quarter. AFP / DPA

German industrial production rose for a fifth month in September, highlighting how the economy was recovering before the imposition of new virus restrictions.

Output increased 1.6 per cent, less than economists predicted, with gains across all sectors but energy. Rising factory orders reported a day earlier suggest industry could sustain its growth in the months ahead – contrary to service providers, which have been far worse hit by a partial lockdown.

Bundesbank president Jens Weidmann attempted to shore up confidence on Thursday, arguing that the economic fallout from the current lockdown is likely to be “less severe” than in the spring, given containment measures are more targeted.

The central bank predicts Germany’s recovery will continue at a “considerably slower” pace in the current quarter.

Still, Germany’s economic outlook has darkened with restaurants, bars and leisure facilities closed for the rest of November.

The European Commission revised down its forecast for next year, citing the uncertain course of the pandemic as well as structural challenges facing the car industry.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government is making aid worth another €10 billion ($12bn) available to help companies through the crisis, and the European Central Bank also signalled that it will deliver more monetary support in December.