What's going on?

Several signs indicate that the eurozone is growing stronger after years of stagnant growth. Purchasing managers� index for the eurozone, which is indicative of growth, rose to 54.1 this month, above the critical level of 50, which indicates growth. Positive growth is stemming from an increase in business activity, the weaker euro and low oil prices spurring consumer spending and allowing businesses to increase prices combined with strong hiring data.

What does this mean?

Growth in the eurozone is finally starting to pick up as signs the economy is recovering are emerging. A weak euro and low oil prices have helped spur economic growth and consumer spending, as have the European Central Banks� quantitative easing bond purchase program and low interest rates. Factory activity in Germany, the eurozone�s largest economy rose at the fastest pace in a year, another indication of growth in the region. One concern is that the eurozone�s unemployment rate remains high at 11.2%, although it fell slightly this month and is expected to continue to trend lower.

Why should I care?

Signs of growth in the eurozone are positive for anyone living in Europe. This indicates that the quantitative easing measures are working, aided by low oil prices and a weak euro. Low inflation rates are causing businesses to continue to lower prices resulting in increased consumer spending and increased growth. In the Eurozone unemployment is still a major issue for people living in the region, but if the signs of economic recovery continue they will have a positive impact on hiring in the next few months. One investment opportunity would be to buy the euro on currency trading exchanges since it is at a very low level, buying the U.S. dollar would also be prudent if one assumes it will continue to rise against foreign currencies. Furthermore, buying energy stocks might be a good investment since oil prices are so low and the stocks have been devalued.