The manufacturing index fell to 54 JOHN GILES/PAGrowth at Britain’s factories slowed last month with weaker domestic activity offset by higher demand for exports, according to a closely watched survey. The July IHS Markit/CIPS UK manufacturing purchasing managers’ index slipped to a weaker-than-expected 54, from 54.3 in June. Positive sentiment has dipped to a 21-month low, the survey said, amid reports of uncertainty regarding both Brexit and the exchange rate. Despite that, Duncan Johnston, UK manufacturing industry leader at Deloitte, said there were a number of upbeat signs: new export demand rose at its fastest rate in six months and employment in the sector increased in July, marking two years of continuous job creation. He said that despite rising input costs due to higher commodity prices,…

Source: The Times August 01, 2018 10:52 UTC