The rise in eurozone hourly wages costs in Q4 2000 slowedto 3.5% on the year, after 3.8% in Q3 (revised down from3.9%).
STRONG RISE IN GERMAN INDUSTRY OUTPUT - Seasonallyadjusted industrial output defied expectations and roseinstead of falling in February, according to data from theFinance Ministry. Output rose 0.6% on the month, after a riseof 1.5% in January. The rise was powered by a surge in construction activity. Manufacturing output fell 0.2%on the month.
GERMANY WHOLESALE ASSN CUTS GROWTH FORECAST -The Wholesale and Foreign Trade Association (BGA) reviseddown its forecast for 2001 German growth to 2.1% from 2.5%and called for more structural reforms to boost the economy.