Euro-Area Export Surge Adds to Signs of Stabilization - by Svenja O’Donnell

European exports increased in November, led by France and the Netherlands, and the monthly trade surplus swelled to the most since July 2004, adding to signs that the euro-area economy may be stabilizing.

Exports from the euro region rose a seasonally adjusted 3.9 percent from October, when they dropped 2 percent, the European Union’s statistics office in Luxembourg said today. Imports were flat and the trade surplus widened to 6.1 billion euros ($7.8 billion).

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said yesterday that the euro-area economy is showing “tentative signs of a stabilization in activi, Germanyty at low levels.” While Draghi still warned of “substantial downside risks,” the ECB voted to keep interest rates at a record low. EU President Herman Van Rompuy said on Jan 11 that the current euro exchange rate against the dollar, “is favorable for exports.”

For more: Euro-Area Export Surge Adds to Signs of Stabilization: Economy - Businessweek