Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) - Private sector activity accelerated in the euro zone this February, driven by an increase in manufacturing sector production, according to data released Friday.

Published on: 02/20/2026 - 13:47

The preliminary composite purchasing managers index for the euro zone, issued by the Hamburg Commercial Bank and published by S&P Global, showed an increase to 51.9 points this month, compared to 51.3 points in January, recording its highest level in three months.

An index reading above 50 points indicates an expansion in economic activity, while a reading below this level reflects a contraction.

"The eurozone economy appears to be on a stable path," said Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at the Hamburg Commercial Bank.

The purchasing managers' index for the manufacturing sector also rose to 50.8 points in February, compared to 49.5 points in the previous month.

De la Robia added, "It is too early to say for certain, but this may constitute a turning point for the manufacturing sector as the index returns to the expansion zone."

On the other hand, the purchasing managers index for the services sector recorded a slight increase to 51.8 points this month, compared to 51.6 points in January.

Economists do not expect these data to prompt the European Central Bank to change its position on interest rates.

This month, the central bank of the 21 member states of the euro zone kept the key interest rate at 2%, the level adopted since last June.

De la Robia said, "The continued expansion of economic activity and the stability of services inflation at relatively high levels do not indicate an inclination by the European Central Bank to change its position by keeping key interest rates without adjustment."

© 2026 AFP

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