Euro-zone industrial production unexpectedly fell at the start of the second quarter, casting a shadow over the economy’s pickup this year from its poor performance in 2023. Output fell 0.1% in April from the previous month, which was revised lower to a 0.5% gain, Eurostat said in Luxembourg on Thursday. Economists expected a 0.2% increase, according to the median of 29 estimates. The outcome leaves the euro-zone economy leaning more heavily on services to continue its recovery after a growth spurt in the first quarter. The European Commission forecasts expansion of 0.8% in 2024, double the pace of last year. While ... (full story)