OUTPUT, DEMAND AND JOBS

Britain's GDP grew by 3.1% in the 12 months to the second quarter, the fastest rate since the first quarter of 1998. The 12-month growth in industrial production in the euro area rose again to 7.2% in May. In the same 12-month period, output growth slowed to 4.6% in France; but it was revised up to 7.4% in Germany.