Belgium: Growth slips in Q1
Belgium’s economy grew 0.2% quarter-on-quarter and in seasonally-adjusted terms in the first quarter (Q4 2018: +0.4% quarter-on-quarter s.a.), according to a first estimate released by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) on 29 April. The tepid reading, the weakest in a year-and-a-half, landed roughly in line with analysts’ expectations. On an annual basis, growth eased to 1.1% from 1.2% in the fourth quarter of last year.
Comprehensive first-quarter national accounts will be released at the end of May.