British business activity expanded modestly in June, according to the S&P Global UK Composite PMI<\/strong>, which rose to 50.7<\/strong> from May\u2019s 50.3, surpassing expectations of 50.5. This marks the highest level this year and signals that growth, though weak, is continuing in the face of global uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modest uptick was driven by a rebound in new orders<\/strong>, which rose above the 50.0 threshold for the first time since November. However, employment levels deteriorated<\/strong>, with firms cutting jobs at a faster pace due to cost pressures and soft demand. Elevated concerns over Middle East tensions also dampened business sentiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The UK\u2019s dominant services industry continued to outperform, with the services PMI rising to 51.3<\/strong>, its best reading in three months. In contrast, manufacturing contracted for the ninth consecutive month<\/strong>, although the pace of decline eased slightly. The manufacturing PMI rose to 47.7 from 46.4, still firmly below the growth threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe PMIs suggest the biggest hit to the economy was in April and things are now starting to recover,\u201d said Thomas Pugh<\/strong>, chief economist at RSM UK. \u201cBut the subdued level still points to near stagnation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nServices sector leads growth, manufacturing lags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Outlook remains cautious amid tariffs and conflict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n