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Business Activity in Eurozone at 46-Month High

Business activity among the eurozone's 19 member nations climbed in March to its highest level since May 2011, according to London-based Markit Economics Ltd.
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Business activity among the eurozone's 19 member nations climbed in March to its highest level since May 2011, according to London-based Markit Economics Ltd.

Markit's PMI Composite Output Index rose to 54.1 this month from 53.3 in February. Any number above 50 indicates growth.

The improvement suggests first-quarter economic growth of 0.3%, unchanged from October-December 2014, according to Markits. Results were buoyed by 0.4% expansion in Germany and 0.2% growth in France.

Markit says gains for its index were driven by new orders, especially by manufacturers who expect the weakened euro to stimulate exports. Employment growth in March accelerated to its fastest pace in 3.5 years.

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