Dutch economy picks up speed in third quarter

The Dutch economy picked up speed in the third quarter, with growth of 1.8 percent the fastest rate in 10 years after 0.3 percent in the second quarter, the central statistics office said Thursday.
On a year-on-year basis, the economy expanded 4.2 percent in the three months to September, the fastest rate in seven years. The statistics office said increased output of natural gas boosted the figures while the commercial services and construction sectors were also very active.