German exports surge despite euro

Germany''s trade surplus rose to 18.2bn euros ($26.7bn, £13.1bn) in October thanks to growth in exports which surged despite the stronger euro. The value of exports went up a seasonally-adjusted 0.6% to 83.5bn euros compared to September, supporting growth in Europe''s biggest economy. Imports rose 0.2% to 65.4bn euros, much slower than expected by analysts, according to preliminary official data. At the same time, September''s surplus was revised down to 17.8bn euros.