Czech industrial output returns to growth

Industrial production rose 4.9 percent in September thanks to automobile output, though momentum in that key sector is now slowing. The result was an improvement from August's 3.8 decline, but warning signs over the economy's long-term prospects continue to surface. "Industry in the Czech Republic is doing relatively well," according to the Czech Statistics Office's industrial director Radek Majějka. He said that the construction sector also returned to growth in September (2.9 percent) following a fall of 3.7 percent in August. The booming housing market is continuing to drive the construction sector, with housing completions figures looking likely to surpass those of last year.