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Germany's private sector growth improved at a solid pace at the start of the second quarter, flash survey data from Markit Economics showed Wednesday.
The composite output index rose to 56.3 in April from 54.3 in March. The latest reading was the second-highest in nearly three years and stretched the current period of growth to 12 months.
Survey respondents said improved economic environment and increased order intakes were the main contributors to the latest expansion.
The flash manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index climbed to 54.2 from 53.7 in March. The score was expected to rise marginally to 53.8.
Likewise, the flash services PMI rose to 55 from 53 in the prior month. Economists had expected the reading to rise slightly to 53.3 in April.
"A combination of increased activity, rising new orders and further employment growth across both the manufacturing and service sectors suggest companies will remain in expansion mode during the coming months," said Oliver Kolodseike, economist at Markit.
