Dutch economy grew 0.5 percent in first quarter

The Dutch economy grew 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared to the last quarter of 2015, according to figures Statistics Netherlands released on Friday. The growth rate is the same as the initial figures published in May. Compared to the first quarter of 2015, the economy grew 1.5 percent in the first quarter. The preliminary figures had the growth at 1.4 percent. According to the statistics office, the economic growth in the first quarter was broadly supported by consumption, investment and exports. Statistics Netherlands also adjusted the economic growth figures for 2013 and 2014 based on newly available information. In 2013 the economy shrank by 0.2 percent, instead of previously reported 0.5 percent. And in 2014 the economy grew by 1.4 percent, not 1 percent. Last year economic growth stood at 2 percent.