Records are being set by the UK labour market, but the differences between regions remain strong. Continue reading
services sector
Chief Economist’s Weekly Brief – Delivering
The UK’s service sector delivered yet again in Q3, propelling the economy to a 0.5%q/q expansion. In the past five years service sector output has risen 14%. Not far behind the 17% rise in the five ‘boom’ years to 2008. So it’s a robust performance. Higher inflation will provide a test over the coming year. But at least momentum is strong.
Chief Economist’s Weekly Brief – Bad habit
Just when you think it’s cooling, it comes back again. The housing market seems to be regaining a bit of momentum. But it’s not surprising. The UK won’t break its bad habit of not building enough houses. It would do the economy the world of good if it did. Continue reading
New orders rise at sharpest pace in eight months
Today sees the release of February data from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI®. The latest report – produced for Ulster Bank by Markit – signalled that Northern Ireland’s solid start to the year was maintained, with both activity and new business rising at similar rates to seen in January. Furthermore, data suggested sharper increases in Northern Ireland than across the UK as a whole. There were, however, further signs of weakness in the manufacturing sector during the month. Continue reading