OFFICIAL data show German industrial orders in November rose by 5.2 percent on the month fueled by strong foreign demand for capital goods.

The Economy Ministry said yesterday domestic industrial orders in November rose 1.5 percent and demand from abroad gained 8.2 percent.

It said German industrial orders in November were 21.7 percent higher than a year ago, when the financial crisis had plunged the country into its deepest postwar recession. Its recovery has made it a standout among the countries that use the euro, where smaller economies such as Ireland, Greece and Portugal are struggling with huge debts and deep recession.