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Service sector growth slows in February Service sector growth slows in February
(35 minutes later)
Growth in the UK's service sector eased to a five-month low in February, according to a closely-watched survey.Growth in the UK's service sector eased to a five-month low in February, according to a closely-watched survey.
The Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) for services fell to 53.3, down from 54.5 in January. However, it remains above the 50 threshold that separates growth from contraction.The Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) for services fell to 53.3, down from 54.5 in January. However, it remains above the 50 threshold that separates growth from contraction.
Markit estimates the economy will grow by 0.4% in the first quarter of 2017.Markit estimates the economy will grow by 0.4% in the first quarter of 2017.
Services, which include areas such as finance and legal advice, make up more than three-quarters of the UK economy.Services, which include areas such as finance and legal advice, make up more than three-quarters of the UK economy.
"A further slowdown in UK business activity growth in February adds to evidence that the economy has lost momentum after the impressive expansion seen at the end of last year," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit. Markit said the sector had been stung by the steepest rise in costs for more than eight years as a result of the weak pound.
"Inflationary pressures remained the highest for six years as firms struggled with rising costs associated with the weak pound, but optimism about the year ahead remained elevated by recent standards," he added. This is likely to mean that inflation faced by consumers "has significantly further to rise", said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit.
Latest official figures showed that inflation hit 1.8% in January, but Mr Williamson said the rate was expected to hit 3% over the next year.
Economic headwinds
The services PMI figure was slightly below expectations, with a Reuters poll of analysts forecasting a reading of 54.1.
Earlier in the week, a similar survey of manufacturers had also suggested a slowdown last month.
"A further slowdown in UK business activity growth in February adds to evidence that the economy has lost momentum after the impressive expansion seen at the end of last year," said Mr Williamson.
"Inflationary pressures remained the highest for six years as firms struggled with rising costs associated with the weak pound, but optimism about the year ahead remained elevated by recent standards."
Paul Hollingsworth, UK economist at Capital Economics, said: "Looking ahead, the economy faces a number of headwinds including higher inflation and uncertainty surrounding the future relationship with the EU as formal negotiations get underway."Paul Hollingsworth, UK economist at Capital Economics, said: "Looking ahead, the economy faces a number of headwinds including higher inflation and uncertainty surrounding the future relationship with the EU as formal negotiations get underway."
"However, we continue to think that the UK will weather these well, and expect GDP growth of 1.8% in 2017 and 2.5% in 2018.""However, we continue to think that the UK will weather these well, and expect GDP growth of 1.8% in 2017 and 2.5% in 2018."
The pound declined after the news was released. Sterling was down 0.28% against the dollar at $1.2233 and 0.46% lower against the euro at 1.1621 euros.