Quote:
The UK’s manufacturing industry moved up a spot in the global league table to become the eighth largest in the world, according to the latest available data.
British manufacturing is now worth $249bn (£185bn) every year, according to United Nations data collected by the EEF, a manufacturers’ lobby group.
The UK leapfrogged France in the ranking, with only Germany and Italy manufacturing more in 2015 among European countries.
http://www.cityam.com/272260/british-ma ... gest-worldQuote:
British manufacturers reported stronger growth in October, driven by higher domestic demand and export orders.
The IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 56.3 last month, from 56 in September. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
It was the fifteenth consecutive month of expansion for the sector, and will fuel debate over whether the economy is ready for an interest rate rise.
The news sent the pound to its highest against the dollar since early October.
Sterling rose 0.2% to $1.331. The pound also rose 0.3% versus the euro to €1.143, marking its highest level against the eurozone currency since early June.
"UK manufacturing made an impressive start to the final quarter of 2017 as increased inflows of new work encouraged firms to ramp up production," said Rob Dobson, a senior economist at IHS Markit.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41831945FTSE100 and FTSE250 both at record highs this morning, and both sharply up. Again. Highest employment levels ever and still rising. Lowest unemployment for 40 years and still falling. Historically low inflation and interest rates. Manufacturing on a high, with 15 consecutive growth periods, trending still further upwards.
Still, snarky comments about year-old Daily Mail cartoons, and deep concern that the spivs and bankers might (finally) mess off. (Here's hoping) Yup, that's what I call the Big Picture here.
DOOOOoooom.