The economy is € 25 billion (2001 GDP figures).

The GDP figures are below 1pc compared to the 2pc which they were before.

Thus, the statistical discrepancy is simply the difference between each GDP figure and the average.

I?m going to say something which might come as a surprise, given all the positive coverage this morning of the GDP figures.

The GDP figure for the third quarter, out in late October, will be crucial.

So while this morning's GDP figures are nice enough, they're more cod's roe than caviar.

The recent GDP figures for the second quarter caused a major attack of anxiety about the state of the economy.

The GDP figures for the third and fourth quarters showed a slowdown from 3.5% to 1.2% growth.

Thus, all of this can only supplement GDP figures.

Next week's GDP figures are expected to show no flicker on the life-support monitor.