Better-than-expected growth result

Tuesday, September 6, 2016
 The UK Services Purchasing Manager's Index rose to 52.9 in the month of August, after seeing a sharp fall to 47.4 in July.

The rise is the largest monthly increase in the history of the survey.

The economic measure, compiled monthly by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and analytical firm Markit, is widely seen as one of the most reliable indicators of the state of UK industries.

It was expected that Monday's service figures would reach just 50.0, which would mean that performance in the sector was flat.

Any reading above 50 indicates growth, while a fall below 50 shows that a sector is in decline.

The UK service industry makes up the vast majority of British GDP, meaning its PMI is closely watched, and the increase in output will raise hopes that the economy could avoid a post-Brexit recession.