Eurozone manufacturing 'improving'

The decline in the eurozone's manufacturing sector has eased, a closely watched survey indicates, in a rare spot of good news for the region.

Markit's eurozone manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 46.3 in December from 46.2 in November. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.

Senior economist from the research firm Rob Dobson told BBC News that the rate of decline in manufacturing "showed light at the end of the tunnel".