UK Private Sector Activity Returns to Growth in July, PMIs Exceed Expectations

• UK private sector expanded in July for the first time in three months.
• Composite PMI reached 52.1, beating expectations.
• Both Services and Manufacturing PMIs showed strong growth.

The United Kingdom’s private sector activity expanded in July, marking the first growth in three months, according to flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. The Composite PMI rose to a three-month high of 52.1, significantly exceeding the 49.7 estimate and June’s 49.3 reading. This upturn was driven by robust performances in both key sectors. The Services PMI climbed to 51.8, surpassing the 49.4 forecast and June’s 48.8, while the Manufacturing PMI also expanded to 52.8, above the 52.0 expectation and June’s 52.5. These figures indicate a stronger start to the third quarter, with reports of a slight increase in new business activity.