Markit's Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) posted 58.1 points in September this year, up from August’s 57.4 points and declining from 58.2 points in the earlier flash estimate.
Euro zone manufacturing production expanded at the fastest pace in almost six-and-a-half years in September, underpinned by a strong and accelerated increase in new work received. The rate of growth in new orders almost matched the 76-month record seen June.
Improving domestic market conditions combined with increased levels of new export business were the main factors supporting the latest increase in new work.
The outlook for the euro zone manufacturing sector remained positive in September. The overall degree of optimism improved to its second-highest since the series began in July 2012, beaten only by June’s record. Companies expect improving economic conditions and rising demand to support further output growth over the coming 12 months.