Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Germany on Friday. Germany's final Markit/BME manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 50.7 in March from 50.5 in February, up from the preliminary reading of 50.4.

The index was mainly driven by rises in output and new business. Employment declined in March.

"German manufacturers ended their worst quarter in over a year in March, with overall growth in the sector slowing to a crawl. Although production growth was maintained, the pace of expansion was little-changed from February's 14-month low," Markit economist Oliver Kolodseike said.