Eurozone services growth accelerates

Eurozone services growth accelerated to the fastest in more than two years in September as demand and confidence improved.

An index of activity rose to 52.1 from 50.7 in August, London-based Markit Economics said. A composite gauge of services and manufacturing increased to 52.1 from 51.5. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The economy of the 17-nation region is showing signs of recovery since emerging from its longest ever recession in the second quarter. Growth is being led by Germany, where Angela Merkel won an overwhelming endorsement from voters in the general election last Sunday.