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Factory orders in sharp fall
Factory orders fell at their sharpest pace since April this month, the CBI’s October industrial trends survey showed on Tuesday.
The Confederation of British Industry survey’s total order book balance dropped to -28 this month from -17 in September, below expectations of a reading of -19.
“The recovery in the manufacturing sector is well grounded and is expected to continue, this despite the soft patch last quarter,” said CBI chief economic advisor Ian McCafferty.
“Over the next three months firms predict a strong rise in output driven by predictions of further export orders growth, while support from stock-building fades.”
He added that cost pressures showed no signs of receding, putting further pressure on manufacturers profit margins.