An index of manufacturing conditions based on the views of purchasing managers rose in April to its highest since 1994, reported Markit, an economic-research firm, on May 4th.

ECONOMIST: The economy after the election

Still, the data company Markit said Euro zone economic activity has bottomed out and is on the upswing.

FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Near Steady on Chart Consolidation; U.S. Data on Tap

In economic headlines, Markit Economics' composite purchasing managers index for the U.S. showed a reading of 52 for April.

WSJ: Stocks Notch Strong Finish After Fake Tweet Sends Markets Reeling

The latest indication of the state of the eurozone economy came on Thursday from financial information service Markit, which said the region's economic contraction had worsened last month.

BBC: ECB says first Cyprus bailout plan 'not smart'