The eurozone economy accelerated further in February, with a key business indicator reaching a seven-month high, despite new fears that Greece's debt crisis could hurt the currency bloc.
The London-based Markit research group said its closely watched Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) jumped to 53.5, up from a revised 52.6 in January. A reading above 50 indicates economic expansion, dpa reported.
Analysts had expected a more modest improvement to 53.
"February's PMI surveys paint an upbeat picture of improving eurozone economic health," Markit chief economist Chris Williamson said.
"Undeterred by the ongoing Greek debt crisis, economic growth is gathering momentum and looks set to gain further traction in coming months," he added.