The U.K. construction sector strengthened more than expected in December, survey results from Markit showed Tuesday.
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply/Markit Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 57.8 in December from a seven-month low of 55.3 in November.
It was forecast to rise moderately to 56. A score above 50 indicates expansion.
Commercial construction remained the best performing sub-category in December. Housing activity also increased at a robust pace that was much stronger than the 29-month low posted in November.
Meanwhile, a decline in civil engineering activity contrasted with the overall upward trend seen across the construction sector.
More than half of the survey panel expect a rise in business activity over the course of 2016. Only 7 percent forecast a reduction.
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