MADRID: Spain’s economy grew at its fastest rate since 2007 in the second quarter with more growth expected ahead, although the pace of recovery may flag as the effect of supportive cheap money and low inflation starts to wear off. Since Spain emerged from a prolonged downturn in mid-2013, economic growth has been driven by a steady rise in consumer spending underpinned by competitive prices, record numbers of tourists and a gradual drop in a sky-high unemployment rate. The IMF expects Spain’s economy to grow 3.1 per cent this year. — Reuters

Angry Birds 2 out

HELSINKI: Finnish game maker Rovio launched Angry Birds 2 on Thursday, a sequel to what the company claims is the most downloaded mobile game series of all time. “With new towers to topple, pigs to pop and missiles to master, Rovio is thrilled to announce the launch of Angry Birds 2,” the company said in a statement. Angry Birds was a worldwide success after its release in 2009, but the game started losing its appeal in 2013 and Rovio is now trying to swoop back from a sharp drop in profits. — AFP

Irish economic data

DUBLIN: Ireland’s economy grew by 1.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of the year, in a recovery that is forecast to make it the fastest-growing economy in Europe for the second year running in 2015. The strong start followed better than initially estimated growth of 1.2 per cent in the fourth quarter and put GDP 6.5 per cent ahead of the first quarter a year ago. — Reuters