Activity in the UK manufacturing sector grew at its slowest pace in more than two years in October amid rising tensions in global trade and uncertainty over Brexit.
The Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index fell to 51.1 against expectations of 53.1, down to 53.6 from the previous month. New orders and employment fell for the first time since July 2016 amid declining export orders and continued weak domestic demand.
The input price index remained noticeable in October despite falling to its lowest level in 28 months.
