German economy flatlines after spending and exports slowdown

GDP growth at 0% for final quarter of 2019 with no upturn forecast in the short term

Germany's economy flatlined in the last three months of 2019 after a slowdown in spending and exports wiped out growth in Europe's largest economy.

GDP growth stagnated at 0% in the fourth quarter of 2019 after its struggling export-oriented industry came under pressure from trade tensions, changes in the auto industry and a slowing European economy.