By Maria Martinez 
 

The French economy grew in the fourth quarter, although at a slower pace than in the previous quarter because of a surge in coronavirus infections.

The eurozone's second-largest economy expanded by 0.7%, following 3.1% growth in the previous quarter, French statistics agency Insee said Friday in a first estimate for the period. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast the economy would grow by 0.5% on quarter.

On an annualized basis, the economy expanded by 5.4% in the fourth quarter.

Spain, Germany and Belgium will also release figures on gross domestic product Friday.

Write to Maria Martinez at maria.martinez@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 28, 2022 01:44 ET (06:44 GMT)