The construction purchasing managers’ index fell for a third consecutive month in August, to 51.1 from 51.9, its lowest level in a year.
An absence of new orders is a key reason for the decline, particularly within the commercial building sector which saw the fastest decline in activity since July 2016. Housebuilding was robust, with growth accelerating from the previous month. Civil engineering activity stagnated.
IHS Markit associate director Tim Moore noted signs of construction companies bracing for the soft patch to continue into autumn.
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