The monthly PMI numbers across the manufacturing, construction and services sector for the month of November showed a mixed picture for the UK. Data released last week showed that while construction and manufacturing activity picked up, services sector had slowed.

According to Markit, the manufacturing activity hit a 4-year high in November with the fastest pace of increase in new orders and production.

The pace of increase was the fastest in four years. Manufacturing activity, as measured by the index was seen rising to 58.2 for November.

Activity on the construction side also showed a solid pick up. According to Markit, construction activity rose to 53.1 on the index, beating forecasts of 51.2 and up from 50.8 previously.

The construction output increase came due to stronger new orders and also helped to push employment in the construction sector.

The survey however showed that there were some declines in commercial building projects.

UK Service Sector disappointed

In contrast to the manufacturing and construction sectors, the services sector which is by far the biggest contributor to the GDP disappointed.

According to Markit, services sector activity fell to 53.8 in November.

This was below forecasts of 55.2 and a sharp decline from October’s 55.6. Volumes of new work and and pace of hiring grew at the slowest pace since March this year.

The preliminary PMI numbers combined showed that the economic activity in the UK progressed at a moderate pace in the month of November.

However, the data suggests that the overall GDP growth rate might not have been impacted that much.

The UK’s GDP grew slightly faster in the third quarter, rising 0.4%, up from 0.3% quarterly growth that was registered in the second quarter.