5th Mar 2026 10:10
(Alliance News) - Activity in the UK's construction sector declined for the fourteenth month in a row, S&P Global reported on Thursday.
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers' index posted 44.5 in February, down from a seven-month high of 46.4 points and remaining below the 50-point mark separating growth from contraction.
February's reading was below FXStreet-cited expectations of a rise to 47.9 points.
"A sharper downturn in house building was the main factor behind the setback for UK construction activity in February, following some signs of stabilisation at the start of 2026," S&P Global Market Intelligence's Economics Director Tim Moore commented. "Total industry activity has decreased in each month since January 2025 and the latest decline was faster than seen on average over this period.
"The reduction in output was largely due to sluggish demand conditions, but some firms also noted that exceptionally wet weather had disrupted construction projects."
However, Moore added: "Construction companies were hopeful of a turnaround in business activity over the year ahead, with optimism levels hitting a 14-month high in February.
"This was often linked to forthcoming new projects in the infrastructure and energy sectors, as well as projected improvements in broader economic conditions."
Released on Wednesday, the HCOB services PMI business activity index registered 53.9 points in February, down from 54.0 in January, and in line with the flash estimate.
The HCOB composite PMI output index came in at 53.7 points, the same as in January, but below the 53.9 flash estimate.
Released on Monday, the headline HCOB eurozone manufacturing PMI reading for February was 51.7 points, down from 51.8 in January, and underperforming against the flash reading of 52.0 points.
The construction PMI report is compiled by S&P Global from survey responses by a panel of around 150 construction companies. Last month's data was collected between February 10 and 26.
By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter
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