Faltering Germany casts cloud over fragile euro zone

(Reuters) - Germany's faltering economy has cast further doubt over the euro zone's prospects for recovery this year, with no other big country strong enough to pick up the slack. Since late last year, the 18 countries using the euro have been climbing steadily out of a two-year recession.

French Economy Stagnates as State Spending Prevents Recession

The French economy will fail to grow in the second half, extending stagnation to five quarters, national statistics office Insee predicted yesterday.