Investment intentions for the year ahead deteriorated, with spending plans for buildings at their lowest since July 2009. Expectations for spending on new equipment also weakened. Plans for investment in training and innovation remained much firmer by comparison. 12% of firms said they were more optimistic about the general business situation than three months ago and 24% were less optimistic, giving a balance of -11% (down from +5% in the three months to July). Optimism about export prospects for the year ahead grew (+7%), albeit at a slightly slower pace than the previous quarter (+13%).
There will be no major data releases both from the UK and USA tomorrow, so we expect a bit steadier session.