German growth doubled in the first quarter of 2011 to about three-quarters of a percentage point from 0.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to an estimate from the finance ministry.

"The pace of expansion in the manufacturing sector, in particular, was increased after a somewhat modest start to the year," the finance ministry wrote. It added that the bulk of first quarter growth came from the manufacturing sector.

On April 14th the government raised its forecast for 2011 growth to 2.6 per cent from a previous target of 2.3 per cent after 3.6 per cent in 2010. Leading economic institutes expect 2011 growth to hit 2.8 per cent.

The government is due to publish its first quarter growth data on May 13th.

Reuters