(BRUSSELS) - Business activity in the 15 nations sharing the euro slowed in March despite diverging trends among the bloc's bigger members, according to a widely watched survey on Thursday.

The eurozone's purchasing managers' index (PMI), compiled by NTC Research, slid to 51.8 points, compared to 52.8 points in February and down from a first estimate of 51.9 points.

A figure above the 50-point level indicates a growth in activity, while any figure below it signifies a contraction.

Meanwhile, the survey's component for the services sector fell to 51.6 points in March from 52.3 points in February and down from a first estimate of 51.7 points.

However, the overall survey painted a picture of diverging trends among the share currency bloc's biggest members with activity picking up in France and Germany and slowing in Italy and Spain.

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