"The improved performance of the construction sector adds to other positive data released on the UK economy"
- Sarah Bingham, economist at Markit
The Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index for construction jumped to 54.3 in February, the highest since last March, from 51.4 in January, said the Markit research agency on Friday.
"The slowdown in UK construction sector output growth recorded in January was reversed in February, with a solid increase in activity indicated," said Sarah Bingham, economist at Markit and author of the construction survey.
"This was despite potential headwinds caused by poor weather conditions. The rise in output was supported by a stronger commercial expansion. Perhaps more encouraging was the sharp increase in new business received, which should keep firms busy in the coming months."
"The improved performance of the construction sector adds to other positive data released on the UK economy," said Bingham. "However, it remains to be seen whether GDP growth for the first quarter will be recorded and, if it is, any expansion is likely to be only modest as general economic conditions remain fragile."
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