Economic sentiment in eurozone improves

Economic sentiment in the eurozone surged to a post-crisis record in December and German industrial orders pointed to a busy final quarter for factories in Europe’s powerhouse with the government expecting the upswing to carry into 2017.

The overall strong data, released yesterday by the European Commission in Brussels and the Economy Ministry in Berlin, suggested vibrant business activity in the eurozone at the turn of the year despite increased political uncertainties.

It matched strong data this week from purchasing managers and signs of an uptick in inflation.