Economic growth slows but still strong at 4.5 percent in first quarter

The Czech economy continued to grow strongly in the first quarter of this year, albeit at a slower rate than previously. Gross domestic product expanded by 4.5 percent year-on-year between the start of January and the end of April, down from 5.5 percent in the final quarter of 2017, according to preliminary official data released on Tuesday.

Analysts attributed the GDP growth to increasing domestic demand, with household expenditure and investments by companies continuing to rise substantially.

Author: Ian Willoughby