Cookies on Zenoot

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. More info

Sign up to our weekly newsletter here Sign up

1 minute read

Growth accelerates in the three months to December

Private sector growth picked up in the quarter to December, according to the latest CBI Growth Indicator.

The composite measure based on 642 respondents across the distribution, manufacturing and service sectors showed the balance of firms reporting a rise in output at +19%, compared with +6% in the three months to November 2017.

Growth was broad-based, with all sectors reporting robust output volumes growth last quarter at a pace above their long-run averages.

More good news to finish 2017, as private sector growth picked up in the three months to December according to the latest CBI Growth Indicator / Picture: Getty/iStock

 

Looking ahead, private sector growth is set to return to a more moribund pace (+4%) over the next three months, with growth set to stall across the services sector and to slow in distribution and manufacturing.

Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said: “Private sector firms are enjoying healthy activity levels as we approach the year end, but mediocre expectations for growth underline the ongoing challenges facing companies. Persistent cost pressures will ensure that inflation remains at a high level, perpetuating the squeeze on household spending, particularly impacting consumer-facing firms and retailers.”