German unemployment unexpectedly rises in September

German unemployment registered a small, albeit unexpected increase in September.

The number of people out of a job increased by 2,000 to reach 2.795m, according to the Federal Labor Agency in Nuremberg. Economists had pencilled in a decrease of 5,000.

Nonetheless, the unemployment rate in the euro area's largest economy remained unchanged at 6.4% - its lowest since the country's reunification under chancellor Helmut Kohl in 1990.

Analysts are watching for any signs that recent volatility in markets and a worsening outlook for China's economy might be leaving an imprint on levels of economic activity and hiring.

Increased joblessness was concentrated in the country's west, where it rose by 4,000.

Data on Eurozone unemployment was scheduled for release at 10:00 BST.