Spain's economy grows by 0.8 pct in Q3

MADRID, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish economy grew by 0.8 percent in the third quarter of this year, compared to the previous quarter, according to data published on Thursday by Spain's Statistical Office (INE).

INE figures showed that household consumption rose by 0.7 percent, public expenditure increased by 0.4 percent and investment rose by 1.3 percent on a quarterly basis.

On a year-on-year basis, the economy grew by 3.1 percent in the third quarter, the INE said, highlighting that employment rose by 2.9 percent, which meant 501,000 full time jobs more were created.

Investment grew by 5.4 percent in the third quarter year on year and consumption rose by 2.1 percent, with households' consumption rising by 2.4 percent. Public spending rose by 1 percent, the INE reported.

Exports rose by 4.9 percent and imports increased by 4 percent, the INE said.

Spain's Minister of Economy and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, said Spain could grow by 3.1 percent this year despite Catalonia's economic growth would slow down at the end of the year. Enditem