Markit's Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) posted 52.6 points in September this year, up from August’s 51.7 points and unchanged from the earlier flash estimate.
The end of the third quarter saw a mild acceleration in the rate of expansion of the euro zone manufacturing sector. Growth of output, new orders, new export business and employment all improved.
“The key message from the September survey is that the euro area’s manufacturing economy continues to expand at an encouragingly solid pace. The PMI points to production rising at a steady two percent annual pace in the third quarter, with momentum picking up in September, “ stated Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. “Production gains are being driven by welcome signs of improving demand from both within the region and from wider export markets,” he added.