Germany is about to report a second straight year of economic contraction, reminding politicians before February’s snap election of the daunting task they face.
Analysts estimate gross domestic product grew 0.1% in the fourth quarter — insufficient to produce a positive result for the whole of 2024. A drop of 0.2% in output is anticipated, contrasting starkly with the 0.8% advance seen for the 20-nation euro zone.