France economy picks up as Italy's decline deepens

Economic data from the eurozone has pointed to a pick-up in France, while Italy's decline has deepened.

Italy's economy shrank for a seventh successive quarter between January and March, according to official figures.

Other data indicated that the country's industrial output fell 0.3% in April, suggesting the decline was continuing.

In contrast, French industrial production surged 2.2% in April, surprising economists who on average had expected just a 0.3% rise.

The surge was driven by a rise in activity in the metalworking, car-making and textile industries.

Read more... France economy picks up as Italy's decline deepens