August data indicated another strong improvement in the overall performance of the UK construction sector, as highlighted by steep and accelerated expansions of both output and new business volumes. Construction companies also remain confident about the year-ahead outlook for business activity at their units, with around 46% of survey respondents expecting a rise and only 10% a reduction. Adjusted for seasonal influences, the headline Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) registered 59.1 in August up from 57.0 in July and above the neutral 50.0 value for the fourth consecutive month. The ... (full story)