FX.co ★ UK Manufacturing Sector Remains Solid in September

The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI edged up to 52.0 in September 2026, from 51.7 in August, beating market expectations of 51.5, according to the preliminary estimate. Despite this, the latest rise in manufacturing output was the weakest since the current expansion phase began in April. Production was supported by AI-related investment and higher defense spending, while subdued consumer demand continued to constrain growth. New orders remained under pressure, though the fall in export orders was only marginal and represented the first contraction since December 2025. Meanwhile, employment increased for a sixth straight month, in part reflecting the fastest buildup of backlogs of work since January 2022. On the cost front, input-price inflation picked up, driven mainly by higher fuel costs. Business confidence improved to its strongest level since February, underpinned by expectations of new project launches and greater investment in production capacity.