German private sector growth picks up in August - PMI

BERLIN,(Reuters) - Stronger-than-expected growth among manufacturers helped Germany's private sector expand at a faster rate in August, a survey showed on Friday, suggesting Europe's largest economy is on track for a solid third quarter.

Fall in Germany's PMI adds to its credit rating worries

Germany's private sector shrank for a third straight month in July in a second blow to Europe's largest economy after Moody's cut its credit rating to AAA with a negative outlook.