UK Flash Composite PMI Reaches Eight-Month High of 53.1 in October

UK private sector activity expanded at an eight-month high in October 2026, driven by broad-based gains that surpassed consensus forecasts. Data released by S&P Global showed the UK Flash Composite PMI climbed to 53.1, up from 52.0 in September. The Services PMI advanced to 53.1 versus 51.8 expected, while the Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.8 against forecasts of 51.7 to 51.8. Overall private sector hiring expanded for the first time since September 2024, terminating a two-year run of job cuts, while strong momentum strengthened expectations for Bank of England rate hikes.