In the OECD's composite leading indicators - which are designed to anticipate turning points in economic activity relative to trend - for March which were released on Wednesday, the data show a stabilisation in the outlook for improved economic activity in Portugal, which has been seen for three straight months, after a decline that began in August 2015.

The OECD's composite index for Portugal stabilised in March at 100.3 points, above the long-term average of 100.

The index for the euro zone as a whole fell slightly to 100.4 in March, against 100.5 in February.

The average for OECD member countries shows a slight easing in economic growth, with the composite index at 99.6 in March, down from 99.7 in February. In particular, slowdowns are seen for the US, Japan and Italy