UK: Slowdown contagion - RBS

Analysts at Royal Bank of Scotland point out that almost all UK regions reported either slower rates of growth or a fall in business activity in March according to the latest NatWest regional PMI survey.

Key Quotes

“Six out of twelve regions posted a contraction: London, Northern Ireland and the North East were at the bottom of the rankings for both output and employment. Firms in the North West experienced the strongest rates of growth in business activity and the joint-fastest rate of job creation alongside the West Midlands.”

“Wales topped the regional league table for new orders growth for the second month running and was one of only four regions to record growth in new business. Looking ahead, the East Midlands is the most optimistic, Northern Ireland the least.”