Add as a preferred source on GoogleUK Composite PMI Climbs to 53.1 as Factory Output Hits 25-Month High
The flash survey showed manufacturing output at its fastest pace since September 2024, while input-cost inflation accelerated across both sectors.
UK private-sector activity expanded at its fastest pace since February in October, as the flash composite output index rose to 53.1 from 52.0 in September. The reading marked a fourth consecutive month of expansion.
A PMI reading above 50 indicates activity grew from the previous month; the index is not a percentage growth rate. October’s flash survey is an early estimate of the final PMI figures.
Manufacturing output grew at its fastest pace since September 2024, a 25-month high. Services activity also expanded at its strongest rate since February, and the two sectors grew at identical rates in the survey.
“UK business activity rose in October at its fastest rate since February,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Employment increased for the first time since September 2024, led by hiring in services, while manufacturers slightly reduced headcounts. Input-cost inflation accelerated in both sectors, and selling prices rose sharply.
The October survey followed TokenPost’s coverage of slower UK business growth in September. The October flash figures were released Friday at 4:30 a.m. ET (08:30 UTC).