More on the UK services PMI: - New orders........>

UK: More on the UK services PMI:

- New orders decline for the first time in two-and-a-half years

- Staffing levels decline for the first time since December 2012

- "Survey respondents overwhelmingly linked the slowdown in business activity

growth to heightened political uncertainty at the start of 2019. A number of

service providers reported that Brexit-related concerns had dampened client

demand and resulted in delayed decision making on new projects. Sector data

suggested that Transport & Communication and Financial Intermediation were the

weakest performing areas of service sector activity."

- "Optimism towards the year ahead outlook for business activity rebounded

slightly from December's 29-month low. That said, the latest reading was still

one of the lowest seen since early 2009."

- So overall, very little to feel positive about in the UK PMI services print.

This is all Brexit-induced weakness but the economy is taking a hit nonetheless.