MNI: 5 Things We Learned From UK IOP, Construction And Trade>

By Laurie Laird and Jamie Satchithanantham

     LONDON (MNI) - The following are the key points from the short-term 

economic indicators data published Thursday by the Office for 

National Statistics. 

     -  The trade deficit was revised lower by Stg3.5 billion in Q3, 

suggesting net trade provided less of a drag on GDP than previously 

reported. 

     -  On an index-basis, output of both transport equipment and motor 

vehicles hit a record level in October, driving total manufacturing 

growth. Motor vehicle production rose by 3.2% 3m/3m in October after a 

4.2% 3m/3m gain in September.  

     -  Much of the extra motor vehicle production has been exported, 

with car exports up by 5.7% year to date, against a year-to-date rise in 

car production of 2.3%. 

     -  Auto exports to the European Union rose by 10% in the three 

months to October over a year earlier, while exports to other regions 

rose by 5% on the same measure. 

     - Construction declined by the largest measure since March of 2016, 

but a record 37.4% surge in new orders -- largely due to infrastructure 

linked to the High Speed 2 rail line -- could suggest light at the end 

of the tunnel.  

-London bureau: 44 (0) 203 865 3812; email: ukeditorial@marketnews.com 

[TOPICS: M$B$$$,MABDS$]