FX.co ★ UK Factory Orders Remain in Contraction: CBI

In April 2025, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported a monthly net balance of new orders at -26, its highest point in five months. This figure improved from -29 in March and surpassed forecasts of -35. Despite this uptick, the indicator still suggests a contraction in factory orders. According to Ben Jones, CBI's lead economist, "manufacturers remain pessimistic about their future outlook due to rising costs, anticipated declines in new orders, and increasing uncertainty regarding global economic conditions." Concurrently, the export orders index fell sharply to -41 from -29.