Mubasher: The Eurozone’s balance of trade surplus expanded in December, beating analysts’ forecasts.

Surplus reached EUR 23.8 billion ($29.71 billion) in December, up from a surplus of EUR 22 billion in the previous month, seasonally adjusted data by the Eurostat showed on Thursday.

Economists had expected a slighter increase to EUR 22.4 billion during the final month of 2017.

The Eurozone’s exports grew 1.7% in December, while imports rose by 0.9%, according to data by the European Union's (EU) official statistical office.

Meanwhile, the goods trade surplus in the EU jumped to EUR 6.4 billion in December, with exports rising 2.8% and imports growing 1.6%.

By 10:23 am GMT, the euro climbed 0.24% against the US dollar to $1.2481.