The global purchasing managers' index (PMI) produced by JPMorgan and Markit, a research firm, showed the world's workshops at full stretch in the spring, as they restocked at a record pace.

ECONOMIST: The economic slowdown does not herald a double dip. Yet

The Greek economy contracted by 7.5% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, according to research by Markit, and is looking to bring its debt-to-GDP ratio down to 120% by 2020 (from about 160% currently).

FORBES: Greek Default Provides Temporary Relief As EU Crisis Marches On

However, businessmen across the eurozone operating in the retail sector did not show greater confidence, according to the survey, chiming with separate survey data from research firm Markit that indicated retail sales across the single currency area fell for the fifteenth month in a row in January.

BBC: Spain's recession worsens in the fourth quarter

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.

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