British PMIs were a mixed bag in December. The Manufacturing PMI eased to 46.4, down from 47.2 and shy of market expectations of 47.5. Manufacturers are pessimistic as the UK economy is struggling and demand for UK exports has weakened.
UK Services PMI accelerates, Manufacturing PMI declines Bailey's dampens rate cut expectations The British pound is steady on Friday, after posting gains
The UK has released “experimental” employment data on Tuesday, replacing the standard labour market survey due to falling response rates. The new reporting format didn’t change the fact that the UK labour market continues to lose steam. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, unemployment rose by 74,000 and the number of employed people fell by 82,000. Last week’s wage growth report showed that wages including bonuses fell from 8.5% to 8.1% y/y for the three months to August, which is still very high and a significant driver of inflation.