FX.co ★ UK Private Sector Returns to Expansion as S&P Global Composite PMI Climbs to 52.2 in July

The UK private sector moved back into expansion territory in July, as the S&P Global Composite PMI rose to 52.2, up from a previous reading of 49.3. Both figures relate to July 2026, with the updated data released on 5 August 2026.

The shift from below the 50.0 threshold to above it signals a turnaround in overall business activity across the UK’s manufacturing and services sectors. A reading below 50.0 indicates contraction, while a print above that level points to expansion.

The improvement suggests strengthening momentum in the UK economy over the month, with firms reporting a more positive operating environment than earlier in the period. Investors and policymakers are likely to view the move back into expansionary territory as an encouraging sign for near-term growth prospects.