The UK private sector entered the contraction territory in August ending a six-month period of expansion as sluggish domestic economic conditions as well as higher interest rates damped demand, a closely watched survey showed Wednesday.
The flash S&P Global/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply composite output index slipped to a 31-month low of 47.9 in August from 50.8 in the previous month, the purchasing managers' survey showed. The reading was seen at 50.3.
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April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.