German confidence

FRANKFURT: Business confidence in Germany slipped again in February, hit by the temporary dampening effects of an increase in VAT sales tax. But companies also appear to becoming less optimistic about their current situation and the outlook for the next six months. The widely watched business climate index fell to 107.0 points in February from 107.9 points in January. — AFP

Harley, union deal

WASHINGTON: Legendary US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson cranked back into production on Thursday after striking workers agreed to a new employment contract. Following a union vote in support of the new three-year contract, Harley-Davidson said assembly lines at its York, Pennsylvania facility were humming again. The pact is an important step in managing costs that could be detrimental to the business over the long term. — AFP

Economic growth

LONDON: - The British economy grew by 2.7 per cent in 2006, in line with an initial estimate given last month. The GDP growth figure compared with 1.9 per cent in 2005. Bri-tish GDP meanwhile grew by 0.8 per cent during the fourth quarter. — AFP