Can we measure a gap between hard and soft economic data, between optimism and tough reality? Yes, we can. In Germany, it’s -0.1%. This is the just-released first estimate of German GDP growth in the second quarter. After a surge of 0.4% Q-o-Q in the first quarter, the German economy shrank by 0.1% in the second. On the year, the economy grew by 0.4%, seasonally and calendar adjusted. According to the statistical agency’s press release, investments were a drag on the economy, while private and public consumption increased a little. Optimism alone doesn't bring back growth Today’s GDP data show that the recent wave of ... (full story)