(IHS Markit) UK’s Purchasing Managers Index plunged to 60.3 in August to mark a five-month low, from July’s 60.4.
The fall in manufacturing activity reflected continuing supply constraints, with input costs and delivery delays curtailing activity.
August’s PMI marks the 15th mark of improved activity, with the level remaining above the long-run average of 51.9 despite the plunge.
Incoming new businesses increased in August, with rising domestic and overseas markets causing a surge in exports.
Job creation was up for the eighth month in a row, with staffing levels rising on-demand requirements.
Inflationary pressures persisted, with purchase prices up at the fourth-fastest rate in the survey history.
Business outlook in manufacturing remained robust, with about 66% of businesses expecting an increase in output next year.
FTSE 100 is up +0.65%, GBPUSD is up +0.01%.
