LONDON (MarketWatch) — The final composite purchasing managers index for the 16-nation euro zone slipped to 53.7 in January from a 26-month high of 54.2 in December, little changed from a preliminary estimate of 53.6, Markit Economics reported Wednesday. A reading of more than 50 means a majority of managers saw a rise in activity, while a figure of less than 50 signals contraction.

