German factory orders slip 0.2 percent in May following previous month's big gain

German factory orders dipped in May as orders from other countries in the eurozone slipped back following a large gain the previous month.

The Economy Ministry said Monday that orders in Europe's biggest economy were down 0.2 percent compared with the previous month. In April, orders rose 2.2 percent — a figure that was revised up sharply from the initial reading of 1.4 percent because of late reporting.

The ministry said bulk orders were below average in May. The overall fall was led by a 1.5 percent drop in orders from other countries in the 19-nation eurozone, which had surged 7 percent in April.

Demand from inside Germany was off 0.6 percent while orders from outside the eurozone climbed 1.2 percent.