Luxembourg: The economy expands at the fastest pace in a year in Q2
Growth accelerated to 3.7% year-on-year in the second quarter, marking the highest print in a year, following the first quarter’s downwardly revised 1.0% expansion (previously reported: +1.6% year-on-year). The improvement was led by a broad-based acceleration in both domestic and external demand, according to detailed data released by the Statistical Institute (STATEC) on 9 October.
In the second quarter, private consumption—which includes spending from non-profit institutions serving households—edged up to 2.8%, from 2.7% a month prior, while government spending rose 5.0% (Q1: +4.7% yoy). In contrast, fixed investment declined 0.4% from a 0.7% increase a quarter prior, as escalating trade tensions and lingering Brexit-linked uncertainties weighed on the country’s all-important financial sector.
Looking at the external sector, exports rebounded on an annual basis, coming in at 1.5% in Q2 (Q1: -0.9% yoy), despite the deceleration across the Eurozone’s largest economies. Similarly, import growth recovered in the quarter, expanding 0.3% after Q1’s 1.2% contraction.
On a quarter-on-quarter, seasonally-adjusted basis, the economy grew 2.2% in Q2, the fastest expansion since Q2 2016, following a 1.1% increase recorded in the previous quarter.