German trade surplus jumps 19% to record high.

Germany's trade surplus increased 19% on month to a record high €18.8B in September and exceeded consensus of €15.5B. Export growth accelerated to 1.7% and also topped forecasts, although imports unexpectedly fell 1.9%. The figures will do nothing to assuage those who have criticized Germany for relying too much on exports, especially at the expense of Southern Europe.