The UK manufacturing sector maintained its positive start to the final quarter, with November seeing growth ease only moderately from the recent peak attained in the prior survey month. However, the expansion remained firmly centred on large companies, as the trend at SMEs stayed lacklustre in comparison.
The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Purchasing Manager’s Index posted 52.7 in November, down from October’s 16-month high of 55.2 (originally reported as 55.5). Analysts were anticipating smaller decrease to 53.7. The headline
PMI has remained above the neutral 50.0 mark in each month since March 2013. Manufacturing production expanded for the thirtysecond successive month.
Sterling is currently being traded around 1.5080 area. Pair is likely to find support around 1.5050 handle and resistance above 1.5130 level. Later today, in the US session, Manufacturing PMI figures are scheduled for a release.