German GDP growth was flat in the fourth quarter of 2005, posting a seasonally and calendar-adjusted 0.0 pct growth compared with the third quarter, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistics Office. Unadjusted year-on year GDP growth in the fourth quarter was up 1.0 pct compared with the 1.4 pct year-on-year growth in the third quarter, the office said. Economists polled by AFX News had forecast quarter-on-quarter rise of 0.2 pct and year-on-year growth of 1.4 pct. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, growth in the fourth quarter was driven solely by increased investment, particularly in construction, but this was countered by a decline in private and state spending. On a year-on-year basis, GDP was boosted by continuing strong foreign trade, while private consumer spending declined, it added.