German unemployment dropped more than expected in July and retail sales climbed in June, data showed on Thursday, spelling good news for private consumption which is expected to drive growth in Europe's largest economy this year.
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Christof Rosenberg has been trying for a year to find a skilled toolmaker for the specialist pipe company he runs with his two brothers in western Germany.
Morale among German consumers rose to its highest level in almost six years heading into July thanks to a robust labor market and strong wage hikes, adding to signs that Europe's largest economy is slowly recovering after a weak start to 2013.
