Germany's economic growth slows

Germany's economic growth slowed in the third quarter of the year while the French economy contracted, according to the latest official figures.

Germany's economy grew by 0.3% in the July-to-September period, less than half the 0.7% growth rate seen in the previous quarter.

Earlier, figures from France showed its economy contracted by 0.1% in the third quarter of the year.

The French economy had grown by 0.5% in the previous three months