05.11.202509:41:33UTC+00UK Private Sector Economic Activity Gains Traction

In October 2025, the S&P Global UK Composite PMI increased to 52.2 from September's 50.1, surpassing both the preliminary estimate of 51.1 and the market expectation of 50.6. This rise indicates newfound momentum in the UK's private-sector economic activity. The services sector experienced notable growth, advancing to 52.3 from 50.8 in September. This expansion counterbalanced a slight contraction in the manufacturing sector, which recorded a marginal change to 49.7 from 49.6, despite an increase in manufacturing output. Overall, business activity accelerated, even against a backdrop of economic uncertainty characterized by high interest rates, tariffs imposed by the US, and the anticipated government budget. Employment figures approached stabilization, nearly ending a 13-month period of contraction, as businesses consistently reported pressures stemming from increased labor costs and the previous budget's National Insurance contributions.