WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE FEBRUARY PMIs?
ANDREW GOODWIN | ERNST AND YOUNG ITEM CLUB
“The January PMI suggested that the economy had rebounded strongly after the snow. Given that January was boosted by this catch up effect, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the headline balances come in a little lower in February, as this effect fades. We should, however, continue to see some healthy growth.”
HOWARD ARCHER | IHS GLOBAL INSIGHT
“Survey evidence for February for the services, manufacturing and construction sectors will offer key evidence as to whether the bounce back in activity in January from December’s severe weather-related hit is being sustained. We expect growth to moderate appreciably after the likely first quarter rebound.”
VICKY REDWOOD | CAPITAL ECONOMICS
“February’s PMIs will be important in showing whether the rises in January just reflected the temporary boost from activity postponed during the snow, or suggest that the recovery is fully back on track. We suspect that the surveys might edge down a bit, indicating the underlying pace of growth is actually pretty sluggish.”