Markit Economics released its retail purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Germany on Friday. Germany's retail PMI climbed to 52.5 in February from 49.5 in January. It was the highest level since September 2015.

The increase was driven by rises in buying activity, inventories and employment.

"February's survey results provided some positive news for German retailers, as sales rose at the strongest rate since last September, suggesting that consumers were willing to open their purse strings again," an economist at Markit, Oliver Kolodseike, said.