The UK's service sector stagnated last month, with new orders falling for the first time in two-and-a-half years, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI). The figures showed a reading of 50.1 in January lower than December's 51.2.
United Kingdom inflation remained at 3% in January, the same level as in December, as reported by the Office for National Statistics, ONS. In November it was the six year high of 3.1% and most economists were expecting a small fall in the CPI to 2.9%.
A survey measuring business activity in the Euro zone shows the economy remains stuck in a rut, according to the company behind the report. The Euro zone purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to 52 in September, down from an initial estimate of 52.3.