Builders bring February rebound for German industrial output

German industrial production rebounded in February to beat analysts' expectations, official data showed Friday, but the construction-led boost offered little relief for observers of Europe's slowing economic powerhouse.

Industrial output added 0.7 percent month-on-month, federal statistics authority Destatis said in data adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects -- beating a forecast of 0.5 percent from analysts surveyed by Factset.

The statisticians also corrected January's figures, saying production was flat rather than booking a 0.8 percent fall against December as initially reported.

Nevertheless, "given weak development in orders and the troubled business climate, we can continue to expect muted development in industry" in the months ahead, the economy ministry in Berlin said in a statement.