The Italian economy remained on course for growth in the autumn. In the fourth quarter, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.6 percent compared to the previous quarter, as the statistics authority Istat announced in Rome on Friday. A first estimate from the end of January was confirmed. The strong growth of 2.6 percent from the summer quarter was not achieved.
Growth in the final quarter was supported by rising corporate investments and consumer spending. Foreign trade weighed on development as exports stagnated and imports increased. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, the overall growth of the economy was 6.2 percent. (dpa)