German factory orders drop in new blow to economy | Business

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept 5, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - German industrial orders unexpectedly fell in July, official data showed Friday, the latest sign that Europe's long-struggling top economy remains stuck in the doldrums. New orders, closely watched as an indicator of future business activity, dropped 2.9 percent month-on-month, according to preliminary figures from federal statistics agency Destatis, after declining 0.2 percent in June. The July figure was pulled down by a decrease in transport equipment orders, and came despite expectations for a slight rebound. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, a member of the coalition government that took power in May vowing to boost the eurozone's traditional growth engine, stressed that orders had dropped for three straight months. "We do not need any further...