In latest in string of rosy economic numbers, survey finds European manufacturers more upbeat

A closely watched survey is showing that manufacturers across the 19-country eurozone are getting more optimistic about the future and are boosting hiring.

Financial information company Markit says its purchasing managers' index — a broad gauge of business activity — for the eurozone's manufacturing sector rose to 52.2 in March from 51.0 the previous month.

The so-called PMI now stands at a 10-month high, the latest in a string of indicators to point to a step-change in the eurozone's economic recovery.

Markit says Wednesday that growth accelerated across the eurozone, including Spain and Italy, two countries at the forefront of the region's debt crisis over the past few years.

Greece was a laggard as its manufacturers struggle to compete amid the uncertainty surrounding the country's bailout.