The rate of expansion of the eurozone manufacturing sector gathered momentum at the start of the final quarter. Growth of production, new orders, new export orders and employment all accelerated, while price pressures showed further signs of increasing.

The final Markit Eurozone Manufacturing PMI rose to a 33-month high of 53.5 in October, up from 52.6 in September and the earlier flash estimate of 53.3. This signalled the steepest rate of improvement in operating conditions since January 2014.

The Netherlands surged to the top of the Manufacturing PMI rankings in October, with growth accelerating to a 15-month peak. Germany was also a top performer, expanding at the quickest pace in almost three years.