India, April 23 -- The UK private sector activity deteriorated for the first time in one-and-a-haf years in April amid weaker foreign demand linked to tariff uncertainty, flash survey data from S&P Global revealed Wednesday.
The flash composite output index dropped to a 29-month low of 48.2 in April from 51.5 in March. The expected score was 50.4. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector.
Weaker demand from international markets weighed on business activity in both the manufacturing and service sectors, the survey said.
The services Purchasing Managers' Index also fell to a 27-month low of 48.9 compared to 52.5 in March. The score was well below the forecast of 51.5.
At 44.0, the manufacturing PMI remained at a 20-month ...