Posts Tagged ‘beat’
New Zealand economic growth beats expectations in Q1
Official figures today revealed New Zealand’s economy surged in the January to March period despite the devastating earthquake which hit Christchurch, the country’s second largest city, on 22 February. The economy grew by 0.8% in the three month period – the fastest pace for over a year, according to Statistics New Zealand. The figure was [...]
UK manufacturing output recovers in May
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today revealed UK industrial output grew at its fastest rate since March 2010 last month after plunging in April due to the Royal Wedding and the impact of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, which disrupted the supply chain. April’s fall represented the biggest since August 2009. However, output rose [...]
DCLG: House prices rise 0.3% in February
Official data from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) today revealed UK house prices rose by 0.3% in February compared with January, with the average UK home costing £204,164. On an annual basis, house prices rose 0.7% – beating expectations for a 0.1% rise. The data from the DCLG is based on mortgage [...]
M&S reports better than expected sales
British retailing giant Marks and Spencer (M&S) has today reported like-for-like sales, which strip out new store openings, grew 0.1% in the 13 week period to 2 April. The figures were marginally better than expected and sent shares up 13.3p today to 353.5p. The 127-year-old retailer which sells clothes, food and homewares said general merchandise [...]
UK construction activity eases in March
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)/Markit construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) has today revealed UK construction activity eased slightly in March. The PMI edged lower to 56.4 in March, from February’s 8-month high of 56.5 – albeit better than forecasts of 54.8. However, the index remains above the crucial 50 mark, which indicates [...]