The sector is benefiting primarily from stronger global growth, although there is more anecdotal evidence this month of improvements in domestic demand.

We should have beat them like that the last time. We refused to play their style this time and played to our potential. Having that going for us pretty much set the tone for the entire game.

These suggest that output growth is going to be sustained at or around the current rate at least until the year-end. Beyond that, to see any real genuine self-sustaining momentum in the euro area, the labor market is key.