Germany’s industrial production rose slightly in December in another sign that the key sector is gaining steam,AP reported. The Federal Statistical Office said Friday that December production was up by 0.1% over November, despite a drop in construction and capital goods. That followed a 0.1% rise in November over October, and the first time since early 2011 that industrial production has increased for four months in a row, said ING economist Carsten Brzeski. Germany on Thursday reported a 4.2% December increase in factory orders, and Brzeski says the data suggest the economy, Europe’s largest, should gain more momentum in the coming months.
