European GDP Will Be Earlier — and Possibly Less Accurate — as of Next Week

Economy watchers will get euro-area output data 15 days earlier than usual starting next week, though the statistics office may be sacrificing some accuracy for speed.

When Eurostat releases preliminary flash first-quarter gross domestic product on April 29, it will mark the first time that European Union and euro-area growth has been published in 30 days rather than the typical 45. The new, faster release brings the region into line with the U.S. and U.K., which also publish first estimates within about a month of the end of the quarter. How useful the more timely figure will prove depends on its accuracy.

“As a matter of principle, you would rather get data earlier, especially if it’s robust and reliable,” said Nick Matthews, head of European economic research at Nomura International Plc. in London. “What wouldn’t be as helpful is to get data early that is subsequently revised.”