Markit Economics released its preliminary manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Germany on Wednesday. Germany's preliminary manufacturing PMI climbed to 53.0 in December from 52.9 in November, in line with forecasts.

Germany's preliminary services PMI was down to 55.4 in December from 55.6 in November. Analysts had expected index to decline to 55.5.

"Germany's private sector companies ended the fourth quarter on a solid footing, with all key barometers of corporate health showing further improvements. While output and new orders increased at slightly weaker rates, growth remained above their respective long-term trends," Markit's economist Oliver Kolodseike noted.