GDP up 0.4% Q3, 1.7% in yr (4)

(ANSA) - Rome, December 1 - Italy's GDP grew by 0.4% in the third quarter on the second quarter and by 1.7% on the third quarter of 2016, ISTAT said Friday, revising downwards previous estimates of 0.5% and 1.8% respectively. But the outlook for the national economy remains "positive", the national statistics agency said.
    ISTAT trimmed its latest figure for Italy's 'acquired' GDP growth this year to 1.4%.
    The previous estimate was 1.5%.
    The economy ministry hailed the new figures, despite the shaved estimates. "The growth trend is strengthening," it said.
    "Even with lower increments in the quarters, the year-end target of 1.5% growth will be met," it said.