UK construction weakest in six months

From reuters.com

British construction output contracted at the fastest rate in six months in December, driven by a steep reduction in house building, a survey showed on Thursday. The Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 48.7 last month from 49.3 in November, unexpectedly dipping further below the 50 level that separates growth from contraction. Economists had forecast a reading of 49.5. The index is now at its lowest since June, when unusually poor weather and extra public holidays dented output. "December rounded off a miserable year for the UK construction sector," said Tim ... (full story)