The manufacturing PMI rose to 55.9 in May, amid gains in output, new orders and exports. The services PMI rebounded to 50.8 in May. New car sales remained strong, rising 5.4% year-on-year in the three months to May. Mortgage approvals increased 2.8% year-on-year in the three months to May. House prices were unchanged in April after a weak start to 2026. Consumer prices fell 0.1% in May, mainly due to lower entertainment and energy costs. The unemployment rate averaged 4.7% in 2025 and rose modestly to 5.0% in Q1 2026.
