GBP Analysis and News
- The UK construction PMI higher than expected in June, as was Monday’s PMI for the UK manufacturing sector.
- This adds to evidence that Q1 weakness was temporary boosting the case for a near term rate hike.
Construction PMI Recovery Continues
The UK construction PMI reading accelerated to its highest level since November 2017 to 53.1 in June from 52.5, printing ahead of market expectations of 52.5. This follows yesterday’sbetter than expected manufacturing PMI data, adding to the evidence that weak data in Q1 had indeed been due to temporary factors, which has been argued by the Bank of England and as such suggests that a rate hike may be on the horizon. Attention will now turn towardsthe UK service PMI to complete the picture.
In response to the construction figure, GBPedged higher albeit slightly. However, if the data continues to surprise to the upsidethis could possibly reinforce the case for an August rate hike, which will keep the Pound supported in the near term.
IHS Markit noted that the latest increase in construction output marked three months of sustained recovery from the snow related disruption in March. House building remained to be the best performing area of activity, while new orders rose at its fastest pace since May 2017.
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— Written by Justin McQueen, Market Analyst
To contact Justin, email him at Justin.mcqueen@ig.com
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