German economic growth eases in third quarter

Economic growth in European powerhouse Germany slowed slightly in the third quarter, preliminary data showed Friday, as it braved headwinds from China's economy and the Volkswagen pollution scandal. Europe's largest economy expanded by 0.3 percent in the July-September period on a quarterly basis, the federal statistics office said, slowing from growth of 0.4 percent in the previous quarter. As questions arose over the health of the German economy, neighbouring France posted a return to growth i