French economic growth unexpectedly accelerated in the second quarter as inventory building offset weak domestic demand and a drag from trade.
Output in the euro area’s second largest economy rose 0.3% in the three months ending in June, beating economist expectations for an expansion matching the 0.1% recorded in the first quarter.
The report from statistics agency Insee showed the boost came entirely from increased stocks, while trade pushed down the overall number and domestic demand made zero contribution to growth.
The euro edged higher after the release, climbing 0.1% to $1.1557. The common currency fell to a five-week …