Germany's economy ministry: Business expectations point to continued weakness in manufacturing

Germany's economy ministry was out with some comments in the last hour saying that the state of the economy is mixed - the industrial sector is going through a weak phase but domestic impetus remains strong.

Key quotes:

   •  Order levels, business expectations point to continued weakness in manufacturing.
   •  Production in H1 2019 will be significantly weaker than in H1 2018.
   •  Indicators point to subdued exports in the coming months.
   •  Weak phase in manufacturing will be more than compensated for in other areas of the economy in Q1 2019.