Germany trims 2015 growth outlook as emerging markets slow

The German government Wednesday slightly trimmed its 2015 growth forecast due to the slowdown in emerging economies, but said domestic consumption would likely more than offset the external weakness. Output growth was now expected to reach 1.7 percent for 2015, and 1.8 percent for 2016, said Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who six months ago had predicted growth for both years at 1.8 percent. Gabriel said the German economy was expected to power ahead as strong domestic consumption outweighs "g