DATA SNAP: Euro-Zone Economy Grew In September

LONDON -- The euro-zone economy appears to be emerging from recession as industrial production and exports recover and confidence strengthens, according to a measure of activity compiled by the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the Bank of Italy.

The CEPR Friday said its EuroCoin indicator rose for a seventh straight month, to 0.07 in September from -0.21 in August.

The indicator is intended to measure the quarter-on-quarter rate of growth in the euro-zone economy. It indicates that the economy began to grow in September for the first time in 15 months.

"The result...suggests that the recession in the euro area economy may be coming to an end," the CEPR said.

According to official figures, the euro-zone economy shrank for the fifth straight quarter in the three months from April to June, although by only 0.1%. The economies of Germany and France - the currency area's two largest members - grew over the same period.

The CEPR said the rise in the EuroCoin largely reflects improvements in business and consumer sentiment, while "the slight recovery recorded by industrial production and external trade played a minor role."