UK April industrial production misses expectations

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the UK industrial and manufacturing production data on Friday, showing that the overall industrial activity turned around in April, but below market expectations.

Manufacturing output rose +0.2% m/m in April versus a -0.6% drop seen in March, while total industrial output also rebound for the first time in four months, with the figures showing a 0.2% in the reported month, against a -0.5% drop seen in March.

On annualized basis, UK manufacturing production showed no growth, coming in at 0.0% in April, compared with expectations of +0.7%. Total industrial output slowed down sharply to -0.8% from a year earlier, missing expectations of a -0.3% drop and against the previous +1.4% print.