Eurozone manufacturing makes marginal gain

Manufacturing activity in the eurozone rose in February from January, but remained in contraction, research firm Markit Economics said Wednesday. The increase was marginal. The Purchasing Manager's Index for manufacturing rose from 48.8 in January to 49 in February. Numbers below 50 indicate contraction, while numbers above 50 indicate economic growth. The figures are considered "flash estimates" as they are based on returns of only 85 percent of the monthly business surveys. The eurozone's PMI Composite Output Index for good producing and service oriented businesses fell from 50.4 in January to 49.7 in February, the second highest level in six months. The PMI Services Activity Index fell from 50.4 to to 49.4 in February, Markit said.