Mubasher: Eurozone manufacturing operating conditions deteriorated in February, as activity declined for the first time since June 2013, according to data released on Friday.

The final IHS Markit Eurozone purchasing managers’ index (PMI) came in at 49.3 in February, slightly higher the provisional reading of 49.2, but down from 50.5 in January, a report from IHS Markit said.

“Forward-looking indicators suggesting risks are tilted further to the downside as we move into spring,” IHS Markit senior business economist Chris Williamson said.

Weak activity was observed in the market sectors of the intermediate and investment goods.

In contrast, consumer goods segment sustained its expansion in February, but at the weakest pace recorded since July 2016.

By 9:15 am GMT, the EUR/USD pair ticked down 0.08% to $1.1362.