AI Data Insight
The latest Q3 2026 data shows that the UK Markit/CIPS Construction PMI rebounded to 46.1, improving from the previous reading of 44.3 and beating market consensus, recording the softest decline in eight months. However, the figure remains below the 50 boom-or-bust line, indicating that the overall industry is still in contraction. Impacted by high borrowing costs and Middle East geopolitics, clients have delayed decisions on large projects, leading to continued weak performance in new orders and residential construction.