Euro zone businesses off to bumper start in second quarter: PMI

(Reuters) - Euro zone businesses had a solid start to the second quarter of the year with activity picking up at its fastest pace in almost three years, surveys showed on Tuesday, suggesting a broad-based recovery is taking hold in the bloc.

German manufacturing sector expands for 10th straight month: PMI

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's manufacturing sector grew for a tenth consecutive month in April, helped by rising output and orders, a survey showed on Friday, suggesting this important branch of Europe's largest economy started the second quarter on a strong footing.

French PM Valls says euro too strong

(Reuters) - French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Saturday the euro was too strong and that President Francois Hollande would take initiatives to boost growth and employment after the May 22-25 European elections.

Spain Leads Bond Rally With Yields Falling to Records

The government bonds of Spain, Italy and Ireland rose this week, pushing the nations’ 10-year yields to record lows, as improving economic data and the prospects of additional European Central Bank stimulus buoyed demand.

Euro Unemployment Holds Near Record Amid Factory Gains

The euro-area unemployment rate held near a record, even as manufacturing grew at the fastest pace in three months, adding to mixed signals about the 18-nation currency bloc’s recovery.