The eurozone manufacturing sector continued to gain momentum at the start of the second quarter. At 56.7 in April, up from 56.2 in March, the final Markit Eurozone Manufacturing PMI rose to a six-year high.

The PMI was only a tick below the earlier flash estimate of 56.8. Seven out of the eight nations covered recorded an improvement in operating conditions. The sole exception was Greece, where a deterioration was signalled for the eighth straight month. Growth was led by Germany, which saw its rate of expansion remain close to March's 71-month high.

The Netherlands PMI held steady at its March level. This performance was sufficient to place the Netherlands third in the PMI growth rankings, only slightly behind Austria in second position.