The Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.4 percent in the euro area (EU-16) and by 0.3% across the EU in the third quarter of 2009, said the community’s statistical office Eurostat. In the second quarter of 2009 growth was -0.2% in the euro area and -0.3% in the EU27. Compared with the third quarter of 2008, GDP declined by 4.1% in the Eurozone and 4.3% in the EU27, after -4.8% and -5.0% respectively for the previous quarter a year ago. In the third quarter of 2009, consumer spending fell by 0.2%, at 0% and -0.1% respectively for the previous quarter. Investments decreased by 0.4% in the eurozone and by 0.5% in the EU27 (-1.7% in reported and -2.5% the previous quarter). Exports increased by 2.9% in the Eurozone and 2.4% in the EU27 (-1.3% respectively at -1.4 percent and the previous three months). Imports increased by 2.6% in the eurozone and by 2.4% in the EU27 (in-2, respectively, 9% in both zones). To compare the U.S. GDP increased by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2009, after -0.2% in the second quarter of 2009.
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