UK Economy Stalls in October, Sees Weak Start to Final Quarter 

According to Halifax, house prices are now up by £3,904 since the start of the year as buyers and sellers are responding to factors such as improved mortgage affordability and the limited supply of available properties. However, 2020 growth is likely to rest on the outcome of the December 12 election.

The UK construction industry remained mired in a downturn in November, according to the latest IHS Markit PMI survey, with uncertainty over the December election outcome leading to inertia in client boardrooms that's hit overall activity in the sector.

Research from a leading European investment bank has show UK economic growth is expected to pick up notably in 2020, should the Conservative Party win a majority at the December 12. election.

The IHS Markit Manufacturing PMI for November confirmed the slump being experienced by the sector extended, however the data came in on the stronger side of expectations.

The UK services industry fared less poorly than was initially feared, according to the IHS Markit final PMI survey released on Wednesday although economists say the influential baromter is still underestimating the likely pace of expansion in the fourth quarter. 

A survey of UK businesses shows that confidence has reached its highest since the start of 2019, thanks to an improved assessment of the impact of Brexit on business prospects.