Rate of Spanish decline begins to moderate as prime minister approaches corruption hearing
The Spanish economy has been contracting for two years now, according to GDP data released this morning. Compared to the first quarter of the year, second quarter GDP fell by 0.1 per cent, and by 1.7 per cent relative to the same period the year before (release).
However, the rate of decline is moderating, pointing to the possibility of an imminent recovery.
Much better… Spanish GDP only fell 0.1% q/q and -1.7 y/y. Terra firma…….the new normal stagnation.
— kit juckes (@kitjuckes) July 30, 2013
Spanish politics is currently in the grip of a corruption scandal, with prime minister Mariano Rajoy due to face a Congressional hearing on 1 August. This morning, minister of industry, energy and tourism Jose Soria said Rajoy had his full trust.