UK preliminary services PMI for August rose to 52.8 from July's 52.1, a six‑month high and above a REUTERS SURVEY forecast of 51.8. The reading, recorded despite ongoing Middle East tensions, adds to signs of an unexpectedly firmer economy and will be welcome for Starmer's successor Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey. S&P Global Market Intelligence chief business economist Chris Williamson said fine weather and tech investment supported expansion, while manufacturing growth eased as precaut

UK preliminary services PMI for August rose to 52.8 from July's 52.1, a six‑month high and above a REUTERS SURVEY forecast of 51.8. The reading, recorded despite ongoing Middle East tensions, adds to signs of an unexpectedly firmer economy and will be welcome for Starmer's successor Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey. S&P Global Market Intelligence chief business economist Chris Williamson said fine weather and tech investment supported expansion, while manufacturing growth eased as precautionary precautionary stockpiling unwound.