Investing.com - Activity in the UK construction sector slowed last month as political uncertainty from Brexit weighed,is mercury optimax a 2 stroke according to a closely watched business survey released on Thursday.

Research firm IHS Markit said its construction purchasing managers’ index fell to

52.8

in December, compared to forecasts for a reading of 52.9.

The prior month’s reading was 53.4.

On the index, a reading above 50.0 indicates expansion, below indicates contraction.

“UK construction firms signaled a slowdown in housing and commercial activity growth during December, which more than offset a strong performance for civil engineering at the end of 2018. Subdued domestic economic conditions and an intense headwind from political uncertainty resulted in the weakest upturn in commercial work for seven months,” IHS Markit associate director Tim Moore commented in the report.

Moore noted that a boost in transport and energy projects helped push business optimism to an eight-month high in December, but was cautious as the UK’s departure from the European Union in March looms closer.

“Levels of optimism remained subdued in relation to those recorded by the survey over much of the past six years, largely reflecting concerns that Brexit uncertainty will continue to encourage delays with decision-making, especially on commercial projects," Moore concluded.

Related Articles

Japan December services sector PMI shows weakest growth in 3 months

China studying new reforms to help small business: media

Upbeat employment report underscores U.S. economic strength

View comments

• ·Can Guess (GES) Keep the Earnings Surprise Streak Alive?
• ·BRIEF-Tianjin Guangyu Development Says Unit Wins Land Auction For 556.1 Million Yuan
• ·MOVE Members' Latest Parole Denial Legally Flawed, Federal Judge Rules
• ·Should You Be Worried About ESI Group SA's (EPA:ESI) 4.1% Return On Equity?
• ·Big cash holdings in Europe signal unease over stock market outlook
• ·Japan's economy set to rebound on capex, consumer spending in fourth-quarter: Reuters poll
• ·Should You Be Worried About Insider Transactions At Canopy Growth Corporation (TSE:WEED)?
• ·CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP) Is Increasing Its Dividend To US$0.17
• ·Dow Surges 2% and Retakes 26K
• ·Are Countryside Properties PLC's (LON:CSP) Mixed Financials Driving The Negative Sentiment?
• ·Sarepta Therapeutics Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
• ·Can Jiashili Group Limited (HKG:1285) Maintain Its Strong Returns?
• ·Is AquaBounty Technologies (NASDAQ:AQB) Using Too Much Debt?
• ·Are You the Right Investor for U.S. Oil and Gas Royalty Trusts? In Depth Analysis of Expectations for Future Cash Flows Before an Investment Decision Is Required
• ·This Oil Stock Continued Its Aristocratic Ways by Giving Investors Another Dividend Increase
• ·Upcoming Deadline Reminder: The Schall Law Firm Encourages Investors in Arrival SA with Losses of $100,000 to Contact the Firm