Good news for the Spanish economy

Spain posted the strongest growth figures in the eurozone, matched only by the traditional powerhouse, Germany.

Leaving behind six years of recesion, Spain’s GDP grew 1.4% last year (with a 0.7% rise in fourth quarter) and looks on course to continue growing strongly through 2015.

The figures, double those forecasted by the IMF, have been boosted by a strong growth in domestic consumer demand. Exports, which had been performing well, have slumped but the construction industry shows signs of life, a fact evident here as the real estate industry shows definite signs of recovery from the economic crisis.

This latest news comes together with other positive economic indicators, such as an increase in bank lending, and suggests that the government’s forecast of 2.5% growth for this year may well be possible.