Although political uncertainty has raised concerns about Spain's economic recovery, the country posted a better-than-expected eleventh consecutive quarter of expansion and it is growing at a faster pace than many European peers. Its services industry picked up speed while tumbling oil prices helped extend the gains.
Compared with the same quarter a year ago, the GDP expanded 3.4 percent, slightly down from 3.5 percent in the previous period but above expectations of 3.2 percent growth.