UK service sector picks up in June - PMI

The UK service sector rebounded modestly in June, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, boosted by a pick-up in consumer and business sentiment.

Source: Sharecast

The final S&P Global UK services PMI business activity index was 52.8, up from 50.9 in May and the highest since August.

It was also ahead of the preliminary print of 51.3.

A reading below the neutral 50.0 benchmark indicates contraction, while one above it suggests growth.

As a result, the UK PMI composite output index rose nearly two points, to 52.0 from 50.3 in May.

The composite index is a weighted average of the manufacturing output index and services business activity index.

Respondents to the services PMI said input cost inflation had eased for the second month running and was now the lowest so far this year. Order books also improved during the month, with rising output levels attributed to improved business and consumer spending.

Headwinds remain, however, with respondents flagging subdued economic conditions in the UK, the impact of US tariffs and adverse geopolitical factors.

Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the sector's "modest" rebound had been "fuelled by a turnaround in domestic business and consumer spending after a soft patch during the spring".

He continued: "While total new work picked up, shrinking export sales were a constraint on growth. Meanwhile, concerns about elevated payroll costs meant that service providers were reluctant to turn on the hiring taps."

The Bank of England next meets to decide on interest rates in August and today's survey will further support expectations for another cut.

So far this year the Monetary Policy Committee has cut rates twice to 4.25%, and the market has pencilled in another two reductions before the year end.

Moore said: "A combination of easing price pressures and lower employment leaves the door open for the BoE to resume its run of rate cuts in August."

Matt Swannell, chief economic advisor to the EY Item Club, said: "The composite PMI points to a modest expansion across the second quarter as a whole.

"The survey’s readings tend to be heavily influenced by fluctuations in business sentiment rather than genuine change in private sector activity, but on this occasion, it appears likely that official GDP growth in Q2 will be broadly in line with the survey’s findings."

Data were collected between 12 and 26 June from panel of around 650 service sector companies.

Compare our accounts

If you're looking to grow your money over the longer term (5+ years), we have a range of investment choices to help.

Bank of Scotland is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the Markets News articles. We may not share the views of the author. Understand the risks, please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest. We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Important legal information

Bank of Scotland Share Dealing Service is operated by Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3195646. Registered Office: Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 2RG. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN under number 183332. A Member of the London Stock Exchange and an HM Revenue & Customs Approved ISA Manager.

Logo Allfunds

The information contained within this website is provided by Allfunds Digital, S.L.U. acting through its business division Digital Look Ltd unless otherwise stated. The information is not intended to be advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of the shares, companies or investment vehicles mentioned, nor is it information meant to be a research recommendation. This is a solution powered by Allfunds Digital, S.L.U. acting through its business division Digital Look Ltd incorporating their prices, data news, charts, fundamentals and investor tools on this site. Terms and conditions apply. Prices and trades are provided by Allfunds Digital, S.L.U. acting through its business division Digital Look Ltd and are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

FE fundinfo Logo

Data provided by FE fundinfo. Care has been taken to ensure that the information is correct, but FE fundinfo neither warrants, represents nor guarantees the contents of information, nor does it accept any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions or any inconsistencies herein. Past performance does not predict future performance, it should not be the main or sole reason for making an investment decision. The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise.

Refinitiv Logo

© 2025 Refinitiv, an LSEG business. All rights reserved.