"Domestic and overseas demand have both slipped unexpectedly this quarter, while output growth tailed off"
- CBI head of economic analysis Anna Leach
British factory orders posted an unexpected drop in October, adding to concerns that the country's economic slump could be deepening. The Confederation of British Industry said its index of industrial order expectations fell sharply to -23 in October, down from -8 a month earlier, above analysts' forecast of a decline to -6.
"Manufacturers have much work to do in the months ahead but it is also important that the UK and Scottish governments give top priority to repairing the public finances and rebuilding our economy by delivering on those policies that will assist investment and trade and support manufacturers going forward," said CBI Scotland director Iain McMillan.
"Domestic and overseas demand have both slipped unexpectedly this quarter, while output growth tailed off," said CBI head of economic analysis Anna Leach.
The FTSE 100 Index advanced 0.12 per cent to 5,804.78. The broader FTSE All-Share Index edged higher 0.07 per cent to 3,031.90.
© Dukascopy Bank SA