The euro zone manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 51.7 in September from 50.4 the previous month -- indicating that growth in the sector is picking up. Analysts polled by AFX News had predicted a more modest rise to 50.8. The higher pace of growth comes after forecast beating rises in the major economies of the area, including France and Germany. A reading above 50 indicates that the manufacturing sector is generally expanding, while a reading below 50 suggests that it is contracting.