German factory output rebounds in July, another sign Europe's biggest economy still growing

Official data show that German factory production rebounded in July, another sign that Europe's biggest economy should return to growth in the third quarter.

The Federal Statistical Office said Friday that production rose 1.9 percent compared with June. It revised the previous month's increase up to 0.4 percent from an initial reading of 0.3 percent.

July's increase was driven by all sectors except for energy.

The latest figures follow data Thursday showing that factory orders were up 4.6 percent in July, indicating that production should continue to rise.

Germany's economy shrank by 0.2 percent in the second quarter but is still expected to grow overall this year.