Industrial output across the euro zone declined on the month for a third straight period in November as countries in the south of the region recorded a weak performance, in line with declining output seen in separate survey data.

Data from the official European statistical database Eurostat showed industrial output fell 0.3% on the month in November and by 3.7% on the year. The latter fall was the steepest since November 2009 when output slumped 7%.

The weakness of the key sector adds to expectations that the economy struggled again in the final three months of last year, and will likely fail to grow for a third straight quarter.