Eurozone economic growth hit a fresh six-year high in April, according to PMI survey data. Job creation also rose to the highest for almost a decade as firms boosted operating capacity in line with buoyant demand and widespread optimism about future prospects. Price pressures meanwhile remained among the strongest seen over the past six years.

The Markit Eurozone PMI rose to 56.7 in April, according to the preliminary 'flash' estimate (based on approximately 85% of final replies). Up from 56.4 in March, the latest reading was the highest since April 2011.