The euro zone economy took a step closer to recovery this month as the rate of decline in the bloc's private sector eased more than expected, a business survey showed on Thursday. The survey published by Markit supports European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's assertion that the 17-nation currency union is benefiting from "positive contagion" but still hints at an economic contraction in the first quarter of 2013. Markit's Flash Composite Eurozone Purchasing Managers' Index, which surveys around 5,000 firms and is seen as a good growth indicator, jumped to 48.2 from December's 47.2, smashing ... (full story)