Euro-Area Factory, Services Output Expands, Led By Germany

European services and factory output strengthened in January, led by growth in Germany and France, as the region’s leaders sought a solution to the debt crisis.

A euro-area composite index based on a survey of purchasing managers in both industries rose to 50.4 from 48.3 in December, London-based Markit Economics said in a report today. January’s reading is unchanged from an initial estimate on Jan. 24. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.