Germany's industrial production unexpectedly decreased by 0.3% in February, according to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. Analysts had expected a slight recovery with a 0.7% increase in production. In January, the performance of this crucial economic sector was not as weak as initially reported, as revised data showed production remained stable with no change, instead of the previously reported 0.5% decline. Data on industrial demand had already disappointed two days prior, as the February growth followed a sharp decline at the start of the year and fell short of expectations.
